Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)

Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) Latest News

The Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the world’s first market-based mechanism specifically designed to control particulate air pollution.

What is an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)?

• An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a regulatory tool that aims to reduce air pollution by introducing economic incentives.
  • Under ETS, a cap is imposed on the total permissible emissions.
  • Industries receive emission permits, which can be bought and sold, allowing companies to trade pollution rights.
  • This system is also referred to as “cap-and-trade”.
  • Cleaner industries can sell their unused permits to polluting units, creating an economic incentive for pollution reduction.

Why is the Surat ETS Significant?

• The Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) launched in 2019, is the world’s first ETS focused on trading particulate pollution (not CO₂), and India’s first emissions market for any pollutant.
• It targeted 342 high-emitting industries, mainly in the textile sector, which used solid fuels like coal and lignite, and liquid fuels like diesel.
• The scheme was developed by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in collaboration with J-PAL, EPIC, and Yale University.

Source: IE