Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: Climate change represents an ongoing threat, not only since it attracted growing media attention in recent years. Therefore, scientists urge to reduce the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in order to prevent most disastrous consequences. One method, chosen by the international community to achieve this reduction and therewith mitigate global warming, is via the establishment of so called carbon markets. Most famous example is probably the European Emissions Trade System (EU ETS), where pollution allowances can be exchanged among actors. The reduction then is achieved by the setting of a ceiling or cap by authorities. Besides, there are also voluntary carbon markets where actors aim at reducing emissions with self-imposed targets. Objective of this paper will be to elucidate this unregulated market for carbon commodities and understand its functioning. Since voluntary carbon trading was largely criticised for a lack of quality and transparency, methods to overcome such weaknesses shall be presented and evaluated as well. Beginning with an overview of different systems of carbon trading, the reader will subsequently learn about existing and emerging carbon markets, their characteristics and performance. Notably compliance and non-mandatory schemes will be distinguished. Juxtaposition will allow for evaluating strengths and weaknesses of both systems. For gaining an understanding of the supply chain in the voluntary carbon market and comprehend underlying motivations, a presentation of market players will follow in the second chapter. Based on market actors motives, a model for high quality carbon commodities will be established in the third part, whereby criticism is also taken into account. An examination of instruments to enhance quality and to overcome shortcomings of non-mandatory markets will be examined in the following. The fourth chapter will provide an evaluation of and an outlook on the beforehand discussed quality mechanisms. Additionally, different scenarios will be developed in order to predict the future of voluntary carbon trading. Inhaltsverzeichnis:Table of Contents: Acknowledgementsii Executive Summaryiii Table of Figuresx Table of Boxesxi Abbreviations and Acronymsxi Introduction1 1.An Overview of Existing Carbon Markets2 1.1Regulated Markets4 1.1.1The Kyoto Protocol4 1.1.2European Emissions Trading Scheme6 1.1.3Other Planned Trading Schemes under the Kyoto [...]

Energy and Environmental Project Finance Law and Taxation: New Investment Techniques provides practitioners with a useful and comprehensive discussion of energy and environmental project finance as it is developing and where it is going in light of new legal and tax rules. This is the first time that internationally recognized lawyers and economists share their knowledge, expertise, and insights in this important and growing industry. Energy and Environmental Project Finance Law and Taxation examines cutting edge techniques and analyses the recent tax and legal developments coming out of Washington, all of which are revolutionizing the investment in and financing of energy and environmental projects. Written for practitioners and laymen alike, Energy and Environmental Project Finance Law and Taxation arms the reader with crucial knowledge about structuring and financing conventional, renewable, green financing, and alternative energy projects. It addresses carbon financing, green power, and traditional and new technologies, including nuclear power, wind, photovoltaic, solar, geothermal, biomass, and the new generation of nuclear power. This book also addresses the risks involved in structuring and financing these new technologies; ways to hedge these risks; and how to monetize the tax credits available for renewable energy projects.

In this book, experts engage in an extended dialogue arguing for a comprehensive view of sustainability. They emphasize the constraints imposed by the relationships among the components, for example, how the need for clean, easily accessible water intersects with the need for the energy required to provide it. This book urges a transformation in the way we view sustainability, a transformation that is necessary if we are to plan responsibly for a more sustainable world.--[book jacket].