[Is the European Emissions Trading System in its Current Form a Suitable Means for Achieving Climate Protection Goals?]

Abstract

The article opens with an overview of the relevant global crises, particularly those that have gained mainstream attention through the mass media since the 1980s. After this introduction, the facts about greenhouse gas/carbon dioxide emissions and climate change are presented and global greenhouse gas emissions are analyzed by region. This is followed by an in-depth analysis of the situation in the European Union and Austria, complemented by an explanation of the European emissions trading system. In this section, the various groups within the industrial sectors are described along with the concept of carbon leakage. In addition, the objectives of emissions trading and its impact on the prices of emissions certificates are analyzed. The article concludes by presenting alternative ideas for the reform of the emissions trading system and examining the outlook regarding the European Union's further climate goals and their impact on Austria.