Conference “Putting a price on Carbon European & North American Experiences and Paths Forward”
In partnership with the Embassy of France in US and the Environmental Defense Fund, I4CE- Institute for Climate Economics organized a conference on November 9th, 2015 in Washington – DC entitled “Putting a price on carbon: European & North American experiences and paths and forward”.
Just a few weeks before COP21, this conference aimed to share experiences from Europe and North America after implementing emissions trading systems. As part of the conference, I4CE also presented results from the “COPEC” research program on EU ETS developments leading to 2030.
Find below the full program along with links to presentations:
Opening remarks
Renaud LASSUS, Head of the Economic Department, Embassy of France in US
Benoît LEGUET, Director, I4CE- Institute for Climate Economics
Derek WALKER, Associate Vice-President, Environmental Defense Fund
Session one: Carbon pricing benefits: emissions reductions, growth and investment
This session explored the various climate, economic and social benefits that can be derived from putting a price on carbon. In particular, it addressed 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.
Chairman: Benoît LEGUET, Director, I4CE – Institute for Climate Economics
Presentation:
Carbon Pricing and benefits: the RGGI Experience
By Nicole SINGH, Executive Director, RGGI
Benefits of Carbon Pricing in the EU: applying ETS Revenues Towards Climate Action
By Manasvini VAIDYULA, Research Associate, I4CE – Institute for Climate Economics
Discussion:
Adrien VOGT-SCHILB, Economist, co-author of the “Decarbonizing development” report by the World Bank
Frederick TREMBLAY, Director at Quebec Government Office in Washington
Questions & debate
Session two: 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.
Chairman: Benoît LEGUET, Director, I4CE – Institute for Climate Economics
Presentation:
By Dallas BURTRAW, Darius Gaskins Senior Fellow, Resources for the Future
By Emilie ALBEROLA, Program Director, I4CE – Institute for Climate Economics
Discussions:
Jean-Yves CANEILL, Head of Climate Policy, Electricité de France
Melissa LAVINSON, Chief of Sustainability PG&E
Session three: Carbon pricing in industry, competitiveness and leakage
In view of fragmented carbon pricing policies, this session explored how emission trading schemes can both, increase long-term competitiveness and decrease decarbonisation costs. It explored 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.
Chairman: Todd EDWARDS, Program Officer for Climate Change, Stanley Foundation
Presentation:
Competitiveness Impact and Carbon Leakage Risk: Theory, Evidence and Policy Design
By Grzegorz PESZKO, Lead Economist – Climate Policy, World Bank
A Roadmap for the Decarbonisation of Industrial Sectors: A Tricky Equation for Europe
By Matthieu JALARD, Project Manager, I4CE – Institute for Climate Economics
Discussion:
Tom LAWLER, Washington DC Representative, International Emissions Trading Association
Session four: Towards a carbon pricing club on the road to and through COP21?
The session explored international efforts on climate action and focused on how COP21 could help coordinate dialogues on carbon pricing at the national and subnational level. Specifically, the session addressed 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.
Moderator: Todd EDWARDS, Program Officer for Climate Change, Stanley Foundation
Round Table Participants
Annie PETSONK, International Council, Environmental Defense Fund
Venkata RAMANA PUTTI, Manager, Climate and Carbon Finance, World Bank
Benoît LEGUET, Director, I4CE – Institute for Climate Economics
Dirk FORRISTER, Chief Executive Officer and President International Emissions Trading Association
Conclusion
Perspectives on Carbon Pricing in Congress: Opportunities and Challenges
Todd WOOTEN, Senior Counsel for Energy and Tax on the Senate Finance Committee