International carbon markets update
Covid-19 is having a multi-faceted impact on existing and proposed emissions trading initiatives
You can read more stories like this by subscribing to our monthly Energy Transition newsletter here The far-reaching impacts of the measures implemented worldwide to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus will have significant implications for the development of international carbon markets, as well as the ongoing negotiations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). This update provides a snapshot of the current state of play in relation to carbon markets and climate negotiations more broadly in light of the global response to the pandemic. Climate negotiations On 1 April 2020, COP 26 was postponed due to Covid-19. The UK government stated: “In light of the ongoing, worl
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
