Emissions trading goes live in China

Shenzhen kicks off China’s pilot emissions trading scheme today, with 635 companies trading, covering about 40% of emissions. It’ll be interesting to see how much the market really benefits from learning from the European experience.

Interestingly, China’s emissions trading plans are proceeding in spite of immaturity and stability concerns, but a national carbon tax is on hold, even though it’s small and economically benign.