Publications
Reporting on the Impacts of Response Measures
02/12/2019
Climate change mitigation policies (also known under the UNFCCC as ‘Response measures’) will need to be put in place and/or strengthened around the world to enable the transition of economies and societies away from fossil fuels and towards a low-carbon future. Response measures will have impacts, both in the countries implementing them and across borders.
ERCST not only organizes the 'Informal dialogue on Response measures’ project, but has been working intensely on developing a methodology that countries can use to report to the UNFCCC (under Biennial Update Reports and, starting in 2024, Biennial Transparency Reports) on the impacts of response measures and the tools and support necessary to address and manage those impacts.
Two reports were produced in light of this effort:
- The methodology describing in detail how a country could assess and report on the impacts of response measures
- The Chile country case study, which ERCST developed to test the practical implementation of the methodology.
Author(s): Maria Antonia Reis Teixeira da Costa, Wijnand Stoefs, Andrei Marcu and Aaron Cosbey
Beyond 40% - Assessing efforts to be Europe's climate leaders
21/11/2019
In the context of the Paris Agreement, the European Union is increasing its efforts towards decarbonisation. Currently, the EU climate strategy is centred around three emissions reduction targets compared to 1990 levels: a cut of 20% of GHG emissions by 2020, at least 40% by 2030; and an implicit reduction of 80-95% by 2050. These targets have increasingly been put into question, as many stakeholders are pushing the EU to speed up its decarbonisation efforts and embrace the goal of climate neutrality by 2050.
The ‘Beyond 40%’ draft report aims to assess whether Member States and other stakeholders are undertaking efforts to go ‘beyond’ their respective 2030 targets, and what is their perspective on the 2050 strategy and the potential target of carbon neutrality.
Author(s): Wijnand Stoefs
Unlocking Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
20/11/2019
Looking ahead to COP 25 in Madrid, this paper puts forward three key issues that are blocking a successful outcome on the Article 6 rulebook.
While there are many operational issues which are contentious, the issues that are truly blocking a positive outcome are" issues of principle" or "political issues” that will need to be addressed at the political or Head of Delegation level.
After these issues are addressed, addressing operational matters will become possible. The first condition to solve problems is to recognise them and take steps to address them in a negotiating, dispassionate spirit.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Preparing the review of the EU ETS Market Stability Reserve
18/11/2019
The MSR became operational in 2019, and its first review is scheduled in 2021. This review should include two elements: i) the track-record of the MSR; ii) the future impacts of the Reserve. The decision whether to change the MSR parameters or not, and if so, how, will need to be based on this analysis, as well as a discussion on what the MSR ought to achieve.
This report aims to promote a debate on:
- The components of the MSR review,
- The structure of the review,
- The parameters and data that should be monitored, leading to the 2021 scheduled review.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Jean-Yves Caneill and Federico Cecchetti
Implementation of the funding mechanisms in the fourth phase of the EU ETS: state of play
18/10/2019
The revision for the fourth phase of the EU Emission Trading System (ETS), covering the period 2021 - 2030, introduced a number of changes concerning the funding mechanisms for climate and transition purposes in the system. Last year, ERCST and CEEP produced a paper on these funding mechanisms, which discussed their respective functioning, eligibility, size, explained how they are related to each other, and highlighted a number of issues and questions that should be addressed during the implementation phase. Since then, a number of new developments have taken place that are worth discussing.This paper:
- provides an update on the state of play of the implementation process of the four funding mechanisms;
- highlights some of the main takeaways from the stakeholder sentiment analysis; and
- sheds light on the decisions made by eligible Member States regarding the use of Article 10c Derogation and the flexibility mechanism.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Maciej Jakubik, Domien Vangenechten and Michal Dlugosz
Reflection note on "Strategic challenges to the EU ETs in the long-term" brainstorm session
16/10/2019
This reflection note should be read as general reflections from ERCST to the brainstorm session organised on September 27, which was intended to discuss, and discover key issues which need to be explored, as well as possibly identify work that may need to be done in the mid to long-term to help the EU ETS to remain resilient, relevant and acceptable.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Jean-Yves Caneill, Domien Vangenechten
Summary note on "incentivising carbon dioxide removal technologies" brainstorm session
2/10/2019
There is a current lack of incentives for Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies (CDRTs), with clear financial and/or regulatory frameworks missing in some cases. This is despite the vital need for developing these nascent CDRTs in order to remain within the 1.5-degree goal, as highlighted by multiple scenarios from the IPCC, European Commission and other key actors. This summary note, following the brainstorm session organised on September 24 focuses on the questions and issues surrounding the enabling regulatory and financial framework necessary for deploying these technologies at scale.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Federico Cecchetti and Maria Antonia Reis Teixeira da Costa
Linkages between Cooperative Approaches, Transparency and Compliance (Articles 6, 13 and 15 of the Paris Agreement)
19/08/2019
This Policy Brief identifies linkages between cooperative approaches provided for in Article 6 (in particular guidance for Article 6, paragraph 2, and the rules, modalities and procedures for Article 6, paragraph 4), the modalities, procedures and guidelines for the Transparency Framework, and the Modalities and Procedures for the committee established by Art. 15.
Author(s): Christina Voigt
Appeal Procedure for the Mechanism Established by Art. 6.4 of the Paris Agreement
19/08/2019
This Policy Brief gives a brief overview for the reasons advocating for an appeal procedure to be included in the governance structure for the mechanism established in Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, including lessons learned from the Clean Development mechanism (CDM). It will then assess different possible options for such an appeal procedure.
Author(s): Christina Voigt
Feedback on the draft implementing regulation laying down arrangements for the adjustments to free allocation of emission allowances due to activity level changes
04/07/2019
This paper represents ERCST's feedback to the European Commission's draft implementing regulation regarding free allocation adjustments due to activity level changes.
Author(s): Domien Vangenechten
Flow of tracking ITMOs & performing, reporting, recording and review of corresponding adjustments
08/05/2019
This reflection paper aims to explore these differences in understanding and interpretation of the flow of tracking of ITMOs and performing, reporting, recording, and review of corresponding adjustments, and tries to capture what they imply by these different views, when looking from the perspective of practical implications. The paper is not intended to advocate any particular position.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu & Supanut Chotevitayatarakorn, TGO
2019 State of the EU ETS Report
07/05/2019
The yearly State of the EU ETS Report aims to be an independent contribution to the policy debate, which is needed to ensure that the EU ETS is “fit for purpose.” This report discusses the current state of play in the EU ETS while abstaining, to the extent possible, from providing solutions.
This report is undertaken by ERCST, ICIS, I4CE, EcoAct and the Wegener Center
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Emilie Alberola, Jean-Yevs Caneill, Matteo Mazzoni, Stefan P. Schleicher, Wijnand Stoefs, Charlotte Vailles, Domien Vangenechten and Federico Cecchetti
The 'Article 15 Committee' to Facilitate Implementation and Promote Compliance
15/04/2019
This policy brief outlines the modalities and procedures for the operation of the 'Article 15 committee', as set up by Article 15 of the Paris Agreement, looking at the nature, composition, competences and decision-making of the Committee. It gives an overview of the ways in which issues will be brought before the Committee, how the Committee could respond and possible further steps in its development.
Author(s): Christina Voigt
Corresponding Adjustments: Interpretation of the “Buffer Account"
15/04/2019
This paper aims to address a reoccurring issue in the Article 6 "corresponding adjustments" negotiations for further elaboration: namely, what is to be adjusted under the "buffer account approach". It provides a brief overview of this approach, providing an example formula and an illustrative example, in order to help clarify any remaining confusion.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Possible Interpretation of Discussions on Article 6.4 and Corresponding Adjustments
20/03/2019
This paper offers our interpretation and understanding of the discussion surrounding these issues. It gives a brief overview of the following topics and issues: First Transfer for Article 6.4 units; Corresponding adjustments; What is meant by beyond NDC; and NDC Accounting vs. Inventory Accounting.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu & Chandra Sinha
Reflections Post-Katowice
18/03/2019
This paper offers key insight into some of the pivotal issues and reflections surrounding the negotiations and outcomes of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement from the COP 24 in Katowice.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Rulebook for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement - Takeaway from the COP 24 outcome
25/02/2019
In order to better understand the Article 6 outcomes from COP 24 in Katowice, this paper examines and compares the different versions of text that emerged at key moments in the two weeks of negotiations, and tries to identify evolution and changes in key issues in the text, and discuss and analyse these changes.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu and Mandy Rambharos
Position Paper - Free allcoation adjustments due to activity level changes in Phase 4 of the EU ETS
22/02/2019
This position paper accompanied ERCST's response to the European Commission's public consultation regarding the implementing act on free allocation adjustments due to activity level changes.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Wijnand Stoefs and Domien Vangenechten
The EU's NDC after the Talanoa Dialogue - Options paper
21/01/2019
This paper explores a number of major options that the EU could consider if the decision is made to enhance the EU NDC. It shows that the options are varied, with significant differences in terms of additional mitigation effort, political will and environmental impacts.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Simone Borghesi, Wijnand Stoefs, Isabella Alloisio, Francesco Nicolli, Domien Vangenechten
The EU's NDC after the Talanoa Dialogue - Policy paper
26/11/2018
This paper accompanies the 'Options paper' on ways to enhance the EU's NDC after the Talanoa Dialogue. It was released right before COP 24 in Katowice. It draws a number of overall conclusions based on discussions held with stakeholders, both through a survey as well as through workshops organised in Bratislava, Brussels, Bucharest, Florence, Prague and Warsaw.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu and Simone Borghesi
Funding Mechanisms in the fourth phase of the EU ETS: Exploring what is known and identifying issues for clarification and discussion
19/09/18
This paper has two objectives: Firstly, it aims to lay out the components and provide an understanding of the functioning of these different funding mechanisms embedded within the EU ETS, and explore how they are articulated to one another. Secondly, it tries to identify issues that need to be further understood and clarified in terms of the operationalisation of the four funding mechanisms.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Jean-Yves Caneill, Wijnand Stoefs, Domien Vangenechten
Article 6.2 Advanced Options Paper
15/08/18
This advanced options paper on article 6, paragraph 2 of the Paris Agreement is an update of the option paper (Straw Man) jointly produced by Reed Smith and ICTSD in February 2018.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Peter Zaman
Northeast Asia Carbon Market and Trade Connections
03/07/18
This Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and ICTSD report focuses on carbon pricing and the linking of carbon pricing systems as a potential catalyst for increased trade relationships.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, ASPI
Decoding Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
30/04/18
This publication examines the options for establishing guidance, rules, and modalities for the key elements of Article 6, decoding main issues.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
What is standing in the way of a happy ending? Reflections on Art 6 before SBSTA 48
26/04/2018
This paper is intended as a reflection on some of the issues that need to be recognised, and may need attention, if we are to deliver at the COP in Katowice.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Glossary of Terms for Article 6.2
26/04/2018
This Glossary of Terms is meant as a starting point for discussion and will be improved as we get comments and as negotiations progress.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Developing the EU Long-Term Strategy. Technical paper
18/04/18
This technical paper is the outcome of a year-long effort, which included a series of stakeholder engagements in five EU capitals at the beginning of 2018.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Georg Zachmann, Samuel Gonzalez Holguera, Wijnand Stoefs
Developing the EU Long-Term Strategy. Policy paper
18/04/18
This policy paper seeks to develop a series of consistent choices upon which the new European Long-Term Climate Strategy can be built. It is produced under the project “Developing the EU Long-Term Climate Strategy".
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Georg Zachmann
2018 State of the EU ETS Report
17/04/18
The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is important through its role as the “cornerstone” of EU climate change policy as well as a “role model” and “pioneer” for carbon markets.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Emilie Alberola, Jean-Yevs Caneill, Matteo Mazzoni, Stefan P. Schleicher, Wijnand Stoefs, Charlotte Vailles, Domien Vangenechten
Managing a Sustainable Transition to a Low-carbon Society: The Socio-economic Impacts of Mitigation
15/04/18
This policy brief looks at how to identify and manage the expected and unintended socio-economic impacts of greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation policies.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Domien Vangenechten
"Straw Man" for Article 6.2
13/02/18
This paper seeks to capture some of the issues that need to be addressed in the rulebook for article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and unpack the options for each issue, with the intention of catalyzing a discussion among Parties.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Peter Zaman
Issues and Options: elements for text under Art. 6
20/10/17
This paper seeks to capture some of the issues that need to be addressed in the rulebook for article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and unpack the options for each issue, with the intention of catalyzing a discussion among Parties.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Wijnand Stoefs, Domien Vanegenechten, Oliver Martin-Harvey, Samuel González Holguera
Addressing policy overlaps through the governance of the Energy Union
21/09/17
This paper addresses what the Governance proposal does not currently include, specifically, provisions to address interactions between elements of the Energy Union.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Wijnand Stoefs and Samuel González Holguera
2017 State of the EU ETS Report
07/05/17
This report discusses the current state of play in the EU ETS while abstaining, to the extent possible, from providing solutions.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu, Emilie Alberola, Jean-Yves Caneill, Matteo Mazzoni, Stefan Schleicher, Wijnand Stoefs and Charlotte Vailles
Issues for discussion to operationalise Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
02/05/17
This paper focuses on the issues that emerged from previous discussions and submissions and which the author believes will require further examination as part of the effort to make Article 6 operational.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement Reflections on Submissions by Parties before Marrakech
02/05/17
This paper examines submissions made prior to COP 22 on views related to guidance for the Article 6 items. It highlights the many important issues covered in them and discusses implications of the various interpretations.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu
Views on Mitigation Value and its Application
02/05/17
This paper analyses the concept of mitigation value and its application, and the relationship between mitigation value and compliance value.
Author(s): Andrei Marcu