“Some solutions are relatively simple and would provide economic benefits: implementing measures to conserve energy, putting a price on carbon through taxes and cap-and-trade and shifting from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy sources.” David Suzuki
Abstract: Climate change, driven by anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly CO2, presents an existential threat to the planet and its inhabitants. This chapter explores carbon pricing, a crucial strategy for mitigating climate change by internalizing the external costs associated with emissions. It examines the rationale behind carbon pricing, its key mechanisms—cap-and-trade systems and carbon taxes—and their advantages and limitations. Carbon pricing, implemented through carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, incentivizes polluters to reduce emissions by making them a cost. This economic pressure drives innovation towards cleaner technologies and reduced emissions. However, existing carbon markets face challenges, particularly regarding the integrity and effectiveness of carbon offsets. To effectively combat climate change, we must adopt advanced climate infrastructure, leverage powerful new tools, and implement innovative approaches such as carbon pricing and financial technology (fintech) solutions. Fintech solutions offer a complementary but improved approach by mobilizing capital for the low-carbon transition using better geospatial data. Climate fintech companies develop tools for data-driven carbon accounting, facilitating investments in renewable energy projects, and streamlining carbon offset markets. These solutions unlock new funding sources, connect investors with sustainable projects, and accelerate decarbonization. Here, blockchain technology emerges as a potential solution, providing a complete audit trail.
Keywords: carbon pricing, blockchain, fintech, carbon taxes, cap-and-trade systems, digital MRV, GHG emissions, cryptocurrency, bitcoin
