Die globale Bepreisung von CO2-Emissionen wird im Jahr 2023 auf einen Rekordwert von 104 Milliarden Dollar steigen und rund 24 Prozent der globalen Treibhausgasemissionen abdecken.

Carbon pricing is seen by economists as essential for reigning in greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, countries achieved a milestone by raising a record $104 billion by charging firms for emitting carbon dioxide. This marks a significant step towards addressing climate change, according to a report by the World Bank.

Several nations are increasingly utilizing carbon pricing to meet their climate objectives, implementing innovative measures such as taxes or emissions trading systems (ETS), also known as cap-and-trade systems. The World Bank’s „State and Trends of Carbon Markets“ report underscores the crucial role of carbon pricing in achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals and fostering sustainable, low-emission growth.

The global landscape now features 75 carbon pricing instruments in operation, an increase of two from the previous year, collectively covering about 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The revenue generated in 2023 from carbon pricing reflects a noteworthy rise from the $95 billion raised in 2022, showcasing growing international commitment to climate action.

Despite these advancements, the report notes that less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions are currently subject to a direct carbon price within the range recommended by the High-level Commission on Carbon Prices. This commission’s 2017 report suggested that carbon prices need to be between $50-100 per ton by 2030 to limit global temperature rises to below 2 degrees Celsius. Adjusted for inflation, these prices should now be between $63-127 per metric ton, as per the World Bank’s latest findings.

The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) remains the largest single contributor to global carbon revenue. However, the World Bank report highlights that recent price drops in the EU ETS suggest that global carbon pricing revenues might decrease in 2024. Currently, the benchmark EU carbon contract trades around 73 euros per ton, down from approximately 80 euros per ton at the beginning of the year, after reaching a record high of over 100 euros per ton in February 2023.

The lower prices in the carbon market can however drive efficiency in carbon capture solutions, bolstered by the falling prices of renewable energy. This synergy between carbon pricing and renewable energy technologies opens new avenues for cost-effective and sustainable climate solutions.

Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) is an example of a promising and cost-effective carbon capture technology that benefits from this dynamic. ERW involves spreading finely crushed silicate rocks, such as basalt, on agricultural fields to capture CO2. Recent studies show that ERW can sequester CO2 at costs ranging from $55 to $190 per ton, which can be competitive with current carbon prices​​. Technological advancements and improved logistical methods are further reducing these costs, making ERW increasingly viable and attractive.

While there is still room for improvement, the progress made in 2023 demonstrates a positive trajectory in global efforts to combat climate change, paving the way for more robust and efficient carbon pricing mechanisms in the future.