Carbon is maturing into a new asset class
Carbon markets poised for rapid growth
Surging prices signal arrival of emerging asset class, with voluntary market expected to grow exponentially over coming decades, conference speakers say
Carbon markets are at an inflection point where growth is accelerating on the back of strong demand for credits and rapid price gains are highlighting their attraction as an emerging asset class, according to investors and analysts. A rally in carbon prices in recent weeks following the global energy crunch and last month’s Cop26 climate talks has emphasised the role of carbon markets in sustainability and helping to achieve net-zero goals. The EU’s Emissions Trading System last week saw prices touch a record €90/t CO₂ ($102/t CO₂), up from around €26/t at the start of the year. Australian carbon credit unit prices have climbed over the same period to nearly A$43/t from A$16/t, with similar
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
