Policy
Canada's Offset System
The Government of Canada has committed to a target of an economy-wide greenhouse gas reduction to 20 percent below 2006 levels by the year 2020.
The Government of Canada has committed to a target of an economy-wide greenhouse gas reduction to 20 percent below 2006 levels by the year 2020.
As part of the plan to meet this goal, a Canadian Offset System has been outlined in the document
Turning the Corner: An Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Air Pollution. The system is designed to encourage cost-effective domestic reductions or removals in activities that are not expected to be covered by proposed industrial air emissions regulations.
Carbon Trading Systems Around the World
Trading in carbon credits is already happening. Over 3,000 Saskatchewan farmers have already signed long term agreements covering several million tons of agricultural offset credits.
Trading in carbon credits is already happening. Over 3,000 Saskatchewan farmers have already signed long term agreements covering several million tons of agricultural offset credits.
A number of national, regional and even provincial offset systems are in place today, including:
- Alberta Emissions Regulation and Offset System
- Australia Emissions Trading Scheme (AETS)
- Chicago Climate Exchange (incl. Montreal Climate Exchange)
- European Union Emission Trading System (EU ETS)
- Midwest Greenhouse Gas Accord
- New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS)
- Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
- United Kingdom Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS)
- Western Climate Initiative