Carbon Credits

Question 1

When was it introduced

Answer 1

Following the Kyoto meeting - 1997

Question 2

What is the concept of carbon credits

Answer 2

Each country has a pollution limit, the carbon credits can be traded

Question 3

What happens if polluting countries go over the limit

Answer 3

• fined
• investment in green technology
• paying for improved technologies in other countries or for other countries to plant trees

Question 4

Why do critics argue the carbon credits system is flawed

Answer 4

It serves the interest of developed countries, which are the main polluters, and allows them to go on polluting

Question 5

How have the monitoring systems been criticised

Answer 5

Countries are expected to monitor themselves, leaving much room for cheating and ‘massaging’ of the figures

Question 6

What is one result of the carbon credit system in the U.K.

Answer 6

The introduction of a climate change levy - a tax on energy used by industry, commerce and the public sector