“A doubling in the size of the carbon market is significant growth, but the market is nowhere near meeting its full potential," said Andrew Ertel, President & CEO of Evolution Markets Inc., one of the contributors to this year's report. “Lack of clarity post-2012 and a leveling off of primary CDM volume is countering growth of commoditized markets such the EU ETS and secondary CDM trading. The market is truly at a crossroads as market participants fully appreciate the complexity and risks of carbon trading. Where we go from here is up to market players and their perception of the regulatory risk in all of these markets.”

“Carbon trading market data in 2007 reflects the ability of market mechanisms to mobilize capital to address climate change”, said Jack Cogen, CEO of Natsource LLC, a leading emissions and renewable energy investment bank. “In order to continue market growth and investment in clean energy, policy-makers need to send the project development and buying sectors a clear signal that these mechanisms will continue to be an important policy tool in the post 2012 policy framework to address climate change and improve their performance. In addition, all those participating in the U.S. climate policy debate should draw important lessons from the world’s efforts to develop carbon markets and apply them in U.S. legislation,” said Cogen.

CARBON EXPO 2008 is the largest carbon fair in the world with more than 2600 representatives from governments, business and civil society organizations involved in greenhouse gas emission reduction transactions around the world.

View full text of State & Trends of the Carbon Market Report, 2008

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View past reports: State & Trends of the Carbon Market Report, 2007

State & Trends of the Carbon Market Report, 2006