Climate Change and International Economic Law - Webinar 2: Climate Change in Term Setting: International Economic Law and Emerging Carbon Markets

With global warming projected to exceed the 1.5oC threshold before 2030, the need for ambitious yet sustainable climate change mitigation has never been more critical. Market-based emission reduction is a crucial part of this endeavour. The establishment of international compliance markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in 2021 and the rapid growth of voluntary carbon markets (VCM) since 2017 demonstrate progress in this area. However, new compliance carbon markets (CCM) remain small and heavily regulated, while certain segments of the VCM face integrity concerns.

Carbon markets’ sustainability, robustness, inclusivity, and integration with international economic law (IEL) require active engagement. Currently, these markets suffer from fragmentation and protectionism, which hinders the utilization of international credits and squanders the opportunity to integrate developing markets as mitigation solution providers. This workshop aims to discuss these above issues and possible unilateral, club-based, or multilateral actions to address the same. We aim to underscore that 21st-century international economic law and policies should create the correct environment for carbon markets to achieve climate action and economic growth in the most cost-effective and inclusive manner, incorporating opportunities in developing markets.

Welcome Address: Peter-Tobias Stoll

Panel Inputs (15:00-16:15)

• Ilaria Espa (moderator): Opening Remarks: Carbon Markets and Article 6 Activities Through the Lens of International Economic Law.
• Axel Michaelowa: From Kyoto to Paris: Can the New Landscape of Carbon Markets and Article 6 Activities Overcome Protectionism?
• Kateryna Holzer: Regulating Voluntary Carbon Markets: Outlines of a Research Agenda.
• Zaker Ahmad: Equitable Growth of Carbon Markets and the Potential Role of Investment Rules.

Expert Comments & Discussion (16:15-17:00)

• Jodie Keane, Overseas Development Institute
• Carlijn Nouwen, Climate Action Platform for Africa & others

Participation is free, but prior registration is required.
Registration: https://uni-goettingen.zoom-x.de/meeting/register/u5EudeuhpjsoH9x7G5RWDjSwxrlGkKILyy58