PUTTING A PRICE ON CARBON: EUROPEAN & NORTH AMERICAN EXPERIENCES AND PATHS FORWARD

Event Summary

On the road to COP21 in Paris, there is growing consensus among both governments and businesses on the fundamental role of carbon pricing in driving the transition towards the low-carbon economy. In view of the significant developments in carbon pricing in North America and Europe over the last decade, this conference will explore institutional, political and economic stakes and challenges in these two regions to ensure the emergence of a credible and effective price signal that results in significant emissions reductions. The conference will also discuss the issue of coordinating the growing number of carbon pricing mechanisms around the world and expectations from the 2015 Paris agreement to promote a centralized system under the UNFCCC and/or a plurilateral “club” approach.

Preliminary Agenda

9:00 am – Welcome coffee

9:30 am – Opening remarks

9:45 am – Carbon pricing benefits: emissions reductions, growth and investment

This session explores the various climate, economic and social benefits that can be derived from putting a price on carbon. In particular, it will address how carbon pricing policies can reduce emissions, enhance economic efficiency, foster growth and support low-carbon investments and which sectors and communities could benefit most from carbon revenues.

11:00 am - Coffee break

11:20 am – Carbon pricing, decarbonisation and investments: balancing ambition, risk and flexibility

This session will explore how emission trading schemes support low-carbon technology financing in line with long-term domestic climate ambition. In doing so, the session will explore the most effective way to maintain a strong price signal and how best to manage interactions with complementary energy and climate policies.

12:45 pm - Lunch

2:15 pm – Carbon pricing in industry, competitiveness and leakages

In view of the fragmented carbon pricing policies, this session will explore how emission trading schemes can both, increase long-term competitiveness and decrease decarbonisation costs. It will explore existing and potential methods that tackle the risk of carbon leakage well as detailing the importance of maintaining incentives for emission reductions that do not introduce distortions between economic sectors.

3.30 pm - Coffee break

3.50 pm – Towards a carbon pricing club on the road to and through COP21?

The session will attempt to explore international efforts on climate action and focus on how COP21 could help coordinate dialogues on carbon pricing at the national and subnational level. Specifically, the session will address how COP21 can help to facilitate these dialogues; how best to accommodate carbon clubs operating in a multilateral context; and the possible criteria that could be considered for membership.

5.00 pm - Conclusion - Key note speaker

5.30 pm – Cocktail

For more information please contact: Alexis.GHIMENTI@dgtresor.gouv.fr