Carbon markets poised for rapid growth

Surging prices signal arrival of emerging asset class, with voluntary market expected to grow exponentially over coming decades, conference speakers say

Carbon markets are at an inflection point where growth is accelerating on the back of strong demand for credits and rapid price gains are highlighting their attraction as an emerging asset class, according to investors and analysts. A rally in carbon prices in recent weeks following the global energy crunch and last month’s Cop26 climate talks has emphasised the role of carbon markets in sustainability and helping to achieve net-zero goals. The EU’s Emissions Trading System last week saw prices touch a record €90/t CO₂ ($102/t CO₂), up from around €26/t at the start of the year. Australian carbon credit unit prices have climbed over the same period to nearly A$43/t from A$16/t, with similar