SAN JOSE – Carbon pricing has emerged as one of the most potent tools for combating climate change, incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. The “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report by the World Bank provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, highlighting the significant progress made over the past decade, the challenges that persist, and the future trajectory of carbon pricing initiatives worldwide. Growth and Adoption of Carbon Pricing In the last ten years, the coverage of global emissions by carbon pricing mechanisms has expanded remarkably. In 2014, only 7% of global emissions were covered by carbon pricing instruments. Today, nearly a quarter of global emissions are under some form of carbon pricing, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the importance of these tools in the fight against climate change. The report notes that as of 2024, there are 75 national carbon pricing instruments in operation. This includes recent implementations in countries like Australia, Hungary, Slovenia, Taiwan, China, and several sub-national schemes in Mexico. Middle-income countries such as Brazil, India, Chile, Colombia, and Türkiye are also making notable strides towards implementing emissions trading schemes (ETSs). Despite this progress, the report underscores that higher pricing and wider coverage are essential to unlock the full potential of carbon pricing. Currently, the ambition of most carbon pricing policies falls short of what is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The average price of carbon remains below the levels required to achieve significant emission reductions. Revenue Generation and Utilization One of the positive trends highlighted in the report is the increase in revenue generated from carbon pricing. In 2023, revenues from carbon pricing instruments exceeded $100 billion for the first time, driven by high prices in the European Union and a temporary shift in some German ETS revenues from 2022 to 2023. These revenues are crucial as they fund climate and nature-related programs, thus reinforcing the environmental benefits of carbon pricing. The majority of jurisdictions use these revenues to support climate-related projects or bolster general budgets. For example, the EU requires member states to allocate at least half of their ETS revenues to climate and energy purposes, resulting in significant investments in green transport, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects. However, the contribution of carbon pricing revenue to national budgets remains relatively small, indicating room for fiscal reforms to maximize the benefits of these instruments. Challenges and Implementation Gaps While carbon pricing has seen considerable uptake, the report points to an implementation gap between countries’ commitments and the policies enacted. This gap is particularly evident in the variation of carbon prices across different ETSs and carbon taxes. Over the past year, ten ETSs, including major systems in the EU, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, experienced price decreases, which can undermine the long-term price signal needed to drive investments in low-carbon technologies. Moreover, the expansion of carbon pricing coverage has slowed. The share of global GHG emissions covered by carbon pricing remains stable at around 24%, with new implementations only partially offsetting reductions in emissions in existing systems. The report emphasizes that even with new carbon pricing instruments in countries like Brazil, India, and Türkiye, global coverage is unlikely to exceed 30% in the near term. The Future of Carbon Pricing The report identifies several emerging trends that could shape the future of carbon pricing. These include the integration of carbon pricing into broader economic policies, the development of sector-specific initiatives like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and the implementation of carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs). The EU’s CBAM, which started its transitional phase in 2023, represents a significant shift in the global carbon pricing landscape. By applying a carbon price on imports equivalent to the EU ETS, the CBAM aims to level the playing field between domestic producers and international competitors, potentially driving other countries to adopt similar measures. Despite these advancements, the report stresses the need for increased ambition and stronger political commitment to achieve meaningful progress. The development of robust global frameworks and the sharing of best practices are crucial to drive the necessary level of ambition and ensure the effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms. The “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report paints a picture of both progress and persistent challenges in the realm of carbon pricing. While significant strides have been made, particularly in expanding coverage and generating revenue, the current pace of implementation and the level of ambition are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement goals. As countries prepare to submit new nationally determined contributions in 2025, the report calls for immediate and sustained focus on implementing more ambitious carbon pricing policies to decisively bend the emissions curve and safeguard a livable planet.

SAN JOSE – In a clandestine meeting, the leaders of the world’s wealthiest countries reached a decision that could shape the future of global energy for decades. Their conclusion: nuclear energy is crucial for addressing the planet’s burgeoning energy crisis and climate change. This bold stance, however, has sparked a heated debate among experts, policymakers, and environmentalists. While proponents argue that nuclear energy is the only viable path to a sustainable future, critics caution that alternative renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, offer safer and more sustainable options. As the world stands at a crossroads, the question remains: Is going nuclear truly the best solution? The Nuclear Renaissance The recent international nuclear energy summit in Brussels marked a pivotal moment. For the first time in 70 years, representatives from over 30 countries convened to discuss the future of nuclear power. The consensus was clear: nuclear energy must play a central role in the global energy transition. Fatih Birol, Chief of the International Energy Agency (IEA), declared, “Without the support of nuclear power, we have no chance to reach our climate targets on time.” This sentiment was echoed by other world leaders, including Belgium’s Prime Minister, who lauded nuclear energy’s potential to create jobs, drive innovation, and foster economic progress. In December 2023, the United Nations underscored the importance of nuclear energy by including it in its “global inventory” of climate protection technologies. This move aimed to triple the use of nuclear energy by 2050, a goal that could significantly increase demand for uranium, the critical element powering nuclear reactors. Uranium: The Double-Edged Sword Bayridge Resources, a Canadian mineral exploration company, finds itself at the heart of this nuclear resurgence. With significant stakes in the Athabasca Basin—one of the richest uranium regions in the world—Bayridge is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for uranium. The company has secured substantial funding from Sprott Asset Management, a global asset manager, underscoring investor confidence in its future. However, the promise of nuclear energy comes with substantial risks. Uranium mining and nuclear waste disposal present significant environmental and health challenges. The waste generated by nuclear reactors remains hazardous for centuries, posing long-term storage and contamination risks. Critics argue that these issues overshadow the potential benefits of nuclear power. Renewable Alternatives: A Safer Path As the debate over nuclear energy intensifies, many experts advocate for a greater emphasis on renewable energy sources. Wind, solar, and hydropower offer clean, sustainable alternatives without the long-term waste disposal issues associated with nuclear energy. Advancements in renewable technology have made these sources more viable than ever. Solar power, for example, has seen a dramatic decrease in costs and an increase in efficiency. Wind energy, harnessed through both onshore and offshore wind farms, continues to grow as a significant contributor to the global energy mix. Furthermore, energy storage technologies, such as advanced batteries, are addressing the intermittency issues that have historically plagued renewables. These innovations enable more consistent energy supply, reducing the need for backup power sources. The Economic Case for Renewables Beyond environmental benefits, renewable energy also offers compelling economic advantages. Investment in renewable infrastructure creates jobs and stimulates local economies. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people globally in 2022, a number expected to grow significantly in the coming decades. In contrast, the nuclear industry requires massive upfront investments and long construction timelines. The average cost of building a new nuclear power plant is around $5.5 billion, compared to significantly lower costs for wind and solar projects. Moreover, decommissioning old nuclear plants adds to the financial burden, often costing billions and taking decades to complete. The Path Forward While nuclear energy can contribute to reducing carbon emissions, it is not without substantial risks and costs. The long-term challenges of nuclear waste disposal and the high economic barriers to entry make it a less attractive option compared to the rapidly advancing field of renewables. Global leaders must weigh these factors carefully as they chart a path toward a sustainable energy future. Investing in renewable energy technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and developing robust energy storage systems could provide a safer, more cost-effective solution to the global energy crisis. As countries strive to meet their climate targets, the focus should be on creating a diverse energy portfolio that leverages the strengths of various renewable sources. By prioritizing innovation and sustainability, the world can move towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future without the long-term risks associated with nuclear power. The push for nuclear energy represents a significant moment in the global energy debate. Yet, as we stand on the brink of a potential nuclear renaissance, it is crucial to consider whether this path is truly the most prudent. With the advancements in renewable energy technologies, a safer, more sustainable, and economically viable alternative is within our grasp. It is time to embrace the full potential of renewables and chart a course towards a brighter, greener future.