The Carbon Balance

An introduction to the global carbon market, trading mechanisms and units

What you’ll learn
Understand the Global Issue – Climate Change
Define Carbon Credits
Describe Pros and Cons of Carbon Trading
List Kyoto Protocol mechanisms

Requirements
This is a beginner level course that focuses on market-based mechanisms in place for controlling greenhouse gas emissions. You do not need any prior knowledge or experience on the subject.

Description
This course is approved for 0.5 GBCI Continuation Education (CE) credits.Global warming is one of the biggest environmental crisis we are facing today. Human activities such as energy production, transportation, manufacturing, construction etc lead to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions which is causing climate change. Global efforts for mitigation resulted in an international agreement called the Kyoto Protocol, which sets limits on the amount of emissions for different countries. Developed economies have more stringent targets than developing countries.
In addition of national efforts by countries, Kyoto has introduced a market based mechanism to push efforts towards emission reductions. This had led to the creation of a carbon market, where carbon is traded just like any other commodity, helping balance the net carbon emissions globally. So is this the right approach to greenhouse gas mitigation? This course will provide plenty of fodder for you to answer this question. It will in detail the background and the three mechanisms that are helping maintain the carbon balance.

While the course explains the content in detail, you are expected to be familiar with concepts of global warming and climate change and associated terms such as greenhouse gases and emissions.

The course is designed in modules with engaging content and detailed case studies, providing you with a learning experience that’s fun and insightful at the same time. At the end of the course, you will be able to discuss whether the mechanisms at present are truly good for the environment.

Overview
Lecture 1 Introduction

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 2 Introduction to climate change

Lecture 3 Kyoto Protocol

Lecture 4 Clean Development Mechanism

Lecture 5 Joint Implementation

Lecture 6 International Emissions Trading

Anyone interested in the carbon market