Report

ICAP Emissions Trading Worldwide Report 2025

– 15 April 2025

Description

As the world confronts increasingly urgent climate challenges, emissions trading systems (ETS) have emerged as powerful tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions Trading Gains Momentum, Led by Emerging Economies

The number of Emissions Trading Systems (ETSs) continues to grow, with 38 systems operational globally and 20 more in development as of 2025, now covering 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Emerging economies like Brazil, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Vietnam are at the forefront of this expansion, implementing innovative designs and emphasizing offsetting and domestic crediting.

Meanwhile, existing systems are expanding and evolving — China’s ETS is set to grow significantly, potentially covering an additional 3 billion tons of CO₂e, while the EU and UK plan to include more sectors.

Carbon leakage and competitiveness remain key issues, driving interest in Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs).

Public support is crucial for ETS success. As ICAP notes, reinvesting auction revenues into climate action and social equity is essential for a just transition in the face of rising global temperatures.

Download the full report

Latest news

Report

ICAP Emissions Trading Worldwide Report 2026

April 16, 2026

Every year, the ICAP Emissions Trading Worldwide Status Report lands as one of the most anticipated publications in the carbon markets space. It’s the kind of docume.....

Blog

UK ETS: Volatility, Linkage & the Price Question

March 31, 2026

On 15 January 2026, ICE Dec-26 UKA futures hit an intraday high of £75.45, closing at £72.88. The sterling-equivalent spread to Dec-26 EUAs had compressed to around.....

expensive gas News

Germany’s CO2 Price for 2027 Could be Higher Than Expected

March 5, 2026

Germany’s national CO₂ pricing system (nEHS) was a true pioneer, tackling emissions from road transport and heating. Its success helped inspire the EU’s expansio.....

Switching to