In 2023, the value of traded global markets for carbon dioxide (CO2) permits surged to a historic high of 881 billion euros ($948.75 billion), according to analysts at LSEG. This marked a 2% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the growing importance of carbon markets in addressing climate change.
The rise in value can be attributed to the implementation of emissions trading systems (ETS) by numerous countries and regions worldwide. These ETS frameworks are designed to establish a price on carbon dioxide emissions, thereby encouraging companies to adopt low-carbon technologies and strategies to comply with climate targets.
Despite the total volume of carbon permits traded remaining relatively stable at around 12.5 billion metric tons, record-high prices were observed in key markets such as Europe and North America. This significant price surge contributed to the overall increase in the value of global carbon markets.
The findings from the LSEG Carbon Market Year in Review 2023 underscore the pivotal role that emissions trading systems play in driving climate action by creating economic incentives for emissions reductions and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
While the EU ETS experienced a significant milestone with carbon permit prices soaring to a record high of over 100 euros in February 2023, a shift occurred towards the end of the year. The market faced a downturn as demand from both industrial buyers and the power sector weakened. Consequently, by the close of 2023, the price of carbon permits had declined.
This bearish trend persisted into 2024, with the benchmark contract dipping below 60 euros per ton. The drop was attributed to factors such as sluggish economic growth across Europe. The report suggested that this economic slowdown was likely to persist in the near term, leading to further demand destruction, particularly within the industrial sectors covered by the EU ETS.
The fluctuation in carbon permit prices and the ongoing economic challenges underscore the dynamic nature of carbon markets, influenced by factors ranging from industrial activities to broader economic trends. As the EU ETS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global carbon markets, its performance and responses to economic conditions will be closely monitored for their implications on climate policies and the transition to a low-carbon future.
Meanwhile, in North America, several key compliance markets witnessed record-high prices in 2023. Notably, in the Western Climate Initiative, carbon permit prices soared to $39 per ton, reflecting the growing emphasis on emissions reduction efforts within the region. Similarly, in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, prices surged to over $15 per ton, underscoring the commitment of participating states to combat climate change through robust carbon pricing mechanisms.
In China, the national ETS also experienced a remarkable price surge in 2023, reaching a record high of 80.51 yuan ($11.19) per ton in October. This milestone highlights China’s increasing focus on carbon pricing as a key tool in achieving its ambitious climate goals and transitioning towards a greener economy.
Overall, these developments underscore the dynamic nature of global carbon markets, with prices and market values fluctuating in response to a myriad of factors, including regulatory changes, economic conditions, and evolving climate policies. As nations continue to intensify their efforts to mitigate climate change, carbon markets are expected to play an increasingly pivotal role in driving emissions reductions and fostering the transition to a low-carbon future.
