The price of carbon under the EU Emissions Trading System

Many companies that produce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU are required to have carbon allowances covering each ton of CO2. The EU Emissions Trading System was criticized for years for having carbon allowance prices too low to make a difference, but the prices have been rising.

One carbon allowance gives the holder the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide. Some highly exposed sectors receive free allowances. Many European countries also have their own higher carbon prices.
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