Carbon Market observation: four suggestions on the Construction of Global carbon Trading system.
climate change.
On May 5th, carbon Market Watch (Carbon Market Watch) released two policy briefs that investigate the successes and failures of previous linked carbon markets, assess the compatibility between the European Union emissions trading system (EU ETS) and carbon markets in other jurisdictions, and make recommendations for future links between EU ETS and other carbon markets.
The first report, entitled "Building a global carbon trading market-linking the prospects of the EU emissions trading system and other carbon markets" (Towards a Global Carbon Market-Risks of Linking the EU ETS to Other Carbon Markets), points out that linking different carbon markets and eventually building a global carbon market is seen as an integral part of the future international climate regime, as global carbon markets can increase climate change mitigation options.
Reduce the cost of reducing emissions and strengthen the climate ambitions of countries around the world.
An analysis of the seven existing carbon markets shows that the experience of linked carbon markets in California in the United States and Quebec in Canada can provide valuable experience for links to any future carbon market; other carbon markets have learned the lessons of EU ETS, especially how to avoid the accumulation of a large number of redundant quotas to drive carbon prices to very low levels.
The report provides EU ETS with lessons to learn from: 1 the positive experience of applying California-Quebec carbon market links.
First, carbon markets in EU ETS and other jurisdictions can be linked only if there is mutual trust and close cooperation.
The link requires continuous coordination of climate standards in each jurisdiction, which means that jurisdictions need to work closely together on potential changes in their regulatory framework.
Second, the introduction of auxiliary climate policies for carbon pricing allows EU governments to maintain a certain degree of control over climate standards after the link.
2 permanently solve the problem of redundancy of emission quotas in EU ETS and other carbon markets by taking measures similar to the California-Quebec carbon market, such as setting limits on the amount of redundant quotas that participants can own and reserve for future use, or establishing a mechanism to reduce the upper limit of redundant quotas for reserves.
The second report, entitled "Building a global carbon trading market-the risk of linking the EU emissions trading system and other carbon markets" (Towards a Global Carbon Market-Prospect for Linking the EU ETS to Other Carbon Markets), points out that the risks of linking EU ETS to other carbon markets are: 1 linking carbon markets leads to lower costs of emission reduction, but without careful design, these reduced costs may eventually reduce the total amount of emission reductions.
Reduce domestic investment and efficiency and lead to the loss of public funds.
There are also concerns that linking EU ETS to foreign carbon markets will allow foreign emissions quotas to enter the EU's carbon market, undermining the EU's goal of reducing emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2030 (compared with 1990); 3 current regulations do not allow the European Parliament to participate in link negotiations and do not provide access to key documents to the public.
The report makes the following recommendations: 1 while deciding to link EU ETS with other carbon markets, the EU's emission reduction targets should be raised.
2 the European Union is about to announce a proposal to modify the carbon market in the third quarter of 2015, which must provide safeguards for all decisions linking EU ETS and other carbon markets, such as assessing climate ambitions for fair share in different jurisdictions, including airline operators in EU ETS, excluding international compensation, ensuring that the price of emission quotas is similar and the quota allocation method is reliable.
(3) the proposed changes to EU ETS and should allow public review of the linking scheme and rules, including strengthening the role of the European Parliament and improving the transparency and public accessibility of relevant documents; 4 the EU is negotiating with Switzerland to link the two carbon markets, which should set a precedent for future links to other carbon markets and avoid endangering EU ETS revisions.
About the Creator
Banyan tree
Early one morning, the forest was alive with an unusual commotion. Birds were chirping frantically, rabbits darted across the undergrowth, and monkeys climbed down from the trees, looking anxiously around. News had spread like wildfire: the oldest and kindest tree in the forest, the venerable Grandpa Banyan, was weak and frail, and it was on the verge of falling.
By Sudais Zakwanabout an hour ago in Earth
“Are You Dead?”: A New App Reflects the Loneliness of Young Chinese Living Alone
In China’s rapidly changing cities, living alone is no longer unusual—especially among young adults pursuing education, careers, and independence. But as solo living increases, so do concerns about isolation, safety, and what happens when no one is around to check in. Against this backdrop, a new app with a blunt, unsettling question—“Are you dead?”—has captured public attention and ignited debate. Despite its shocking name, the app is not designed to provoke fear. Instead, it aims to address a practical and emotional gap in modern urban life: how to ensure the well-being of people who live alone, and how technology is stepping in where traditional community networks have weakened. The Rise of Solo Living in China China has witnessed a dramatic shift in household structures over the past two decades. Urbanization, delayed marriage, rising housing costs, and changing cultural values have contributed to a growing number of single-person households, particularly among people in their 20s and 30s. For many young Chinese professionals, living alone represents freedom and self-reliance. It allows flexibility, privacy, and independence from family expectations. Yet this independence often comes with trade-offs: fewer daily social interactions, weaker neighborhood ties, and limited support in emergencies. In megacities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, it is increasingly common for neighbors not to know each other at all. In this environment, concerns about what happens if someone becomes ill, injured, or simply disappears from daily routines have become more pronounced. What the App Actually Does Despite its provocative name, the app’s purpose is surprisingly simple. It functions as a digital check-in system. Users set regular times to confirm they are okay—by tapping a notification or completing a brief check-in. If the user fails to respond after a certain period, the app automatically alerts designated contacts, such as friends, family members, or emergency responders. The stark question, “Are you dead?”, is intentionally designed to grab attention and prompt action. Developers argue that softer language is often ignored, while blunt phrasing cuts through digital noise and encourages consistent use. In essence, the app acts as a safety net, especially for people who live alone and may not have daily contact with others. Why Young People Are Downloading It The app’s popularity reflects deeper anxieties among young adults navigating modern life. Many users say they downloaded it not because they fear the worst every day, but because it provides peace of mind—both for themselves and for loved ones. For parents living far from their children, the app offers reassurance without constant phone calls. For users, it creates a sense of being quietly watched over, without sacrificing independence. Some users have also described the app as a form of emotional comfort. Even a routine notification can feel like a reminder that someone, somewhere, would notice if they vanished from daily life. A Name That Sparked Debate The app’s name has been its most controversial feature. Critics argue that the phrase “Are you dead?” is unnecessarily harsh and reflects a growing desensitization in digital culture. Others worry that such language could amplify anxiety rather than reduce it. Supporters, however, see the name as a reflection of reality rather than a provocation. In densely populated cities where people can go unnoticed for days or weeks, the question is uncomfortable—but relevant. They argue that avoiding blunt language does not eliminate the underlying problem of isolation. The debate highlights a broader tension in tech design: Should apps prioritize emotional sensitivity, or practical effectiveness—even if it makes people uncomfortable? Technology Filling a Social Gap The rise of this app points to a larger issue: technology increasingly compensates for weakened social structures. In the past, extended families, close-knit neighborhoods, and workplace communities naturally checked in on individuals. Today, those informal safety nets are often absent. Apps like this one are not just tools; they are symptoms of a society where digital solutions are replacing human presence. While convenient, this raises questions about whether technology is addressing the root causes of loneliness—or simply managing its consequences. Still, for many users, the app is not a replacement for relationships, but a supplement to modern life realities. Living Alone Does Not Mean Wanting to Be Alone An important takeaway from the app’s success is that living alone is not the same as wanting isolation. Many young Chinese adults value independence but still crave connection, security, and acknowledgment. The app’s routine check-ins, though minimal, provide a structured moment of contact. In a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, even small gestures of recognition can matter. This trend also reflects changing attitudes toward mental well-being and personal safety. Younger generations are more open to discussing vulnerability and using tools that previous generations might have dismissed. What This Says About Modern Urban Life The popularity of an app that asks such a stark question speaks volumes about the realities of contemporary urban living—not just in China, but globally. As cities grow larger and lives become more individualized, people are searching for new ways to ensure they are seen, remembered, and protected. The app’s success suggests that people are willing to engage with uncomfortable ideas if they address real needs. It also underscores the importance of designing technology that is honest about modern challenges, rather than masking them with euphemisms. Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call, Not a Warning While the phrase “Are you dead?” may sound alarming, the app behind it is less about fear and more about care. It reflects a generation navigating independence in a world where traditional support systems no longer function as they once did. Rather than signaling a morbid obsession, the app serves as a quiet reminder of something deeply human: the need to be noticed. In that sense, its blunt question is not about death at all—but about presence, connection, and the reassurance that someone would check if you were gone. As solo living continues to rise, tools like this app may become less shocking and more commonplace—symbols of how society adapts to changing ways of life in the digital age.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in Earth
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