Core Viewpoint - The construction of water rights and pollutant discharge rights trading markets will accelerate, marking a new phase in the market-oriented allocation of resource and environmental factors in China [1][5]. Group 1: Policy Framework - The State Council issued the "Opinions on Improving the Market-oriented Allocation System for Resource and Environmental Factors," aiming to deepen the reform of market-oriented allocation [1]. - By 2027, the carbon emission rights and water rights trading systems are expected to be fundamentally improved, and the pollutant discharge rights trading system will be established [1]. - The policy emphasizes the integration of carbon emission rights, energy rights, water rights, and pollutant discharge rights into the overall reform framework [1]. Group 2: Market Development - The national carbon emission trading market has expanded to include 1,500 new key emission units, covering over 60% of the total carbon dioxide emissions in the country [3]. - The carbon market is still in its early stages, with low trading turnover and a high proportion of bulk transactions [3]. - The current trading entities in the carbon market are mainly emission control enterprises, with financial institutions and individuals currently not allowed to participate [3]. Group 3: Future Directions - The "Opinions" propose enhancing the connection between carbon emission trading and dual control systems, transitioning from intensity control to total quota control [4]. - Financial institutions' participation in the carbon market is expected to enhance market stability and liquidity, which will improve price capabilities [4]. - The introduction of carbon futures and the establishment of a carbon financial trading system are recommended to promote a synergistic relationship between the futures and spot markets [4]. Group 4: Water and Pollutant Discharge Rights - The construction of water rights and pollutant discharge rights trading markets is gaining momentum, with the Ministry of Water Resources issuing management rules for water rights trading [6]. - The pollutant discharge rights trading system is transitioning from local pilot practices to a national unified market [6]. - The "Opinions" detail the allocation system, trading scope, and trading mechanisms for water and pollutant discharge rights [6]. Group 5: Challenges and Opportunities - The regional variability of water resources and pollutant discharge capacities presents challenges for creating high liquidity and standardized markets for water and pollutant discharge rights [7]. - The policy aims to establish a closed-loop system for allocation, trading, and regulation similar to the carbon market, despite existing differences in technical foundations and legislative progress [7]. - Financial institutions' involvement in water and pollutant discharge rights markets is deemed necessary for optimizing resource allocation and achieving environmental protection goals [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the establishment and enhancement of a market-oriented resource and environmental element allocation system, aiming for a more active and efficient trading market by 2027, particularly focusing on carbon emissions, water rights, and pollution rights [34]. Group 1: Market Mechanisms and Regulations - By 2027, the trading systems for carbon emissions rights, water rights, and pollution rights will be fundamentally improved, enhancing the market's ability to allocate resources efficiently and effectively [3]. - The article outlines the need to optimize the allocation and transfer systems for resource and environmental elements, including carbon emissions rights and water rights, to promote market liquidity [34]. - It highlights the importance of integrating various trading systems, such as carbon emissions trading and pollution permits, to facilitate smoother transactions and better resource management [9][35]. Group 2: Financial Support and Green Finance - The article discusses the establishment of a financial support system to encourage the development of green financial products, such as green credit and insurance, which will support the trading of carbon emissions rights and water rights [38][26]. - It suggests that the value of carbon assets will become more prominent, leading to the potential introduction of carbon financial products like carbon futures and carbon pledge loans, which could enhance market liquidity [38]. Group 3: Industry Impacts - The renewable energy sector, particularly wind, solar, and energy storage companies, is expected to benefit from the integration of carbon markets and green electricity trading [40]. - The demand for water-saving technologies, such as efficient irrigation and water recycling, is anticipated to experience significant growth due to the new policies [41]. - The environmental monitoring industry is likely to see a surge in demand for carbon emission accounting and pollution monitoring services, presenting opportunities for third-party service providers [42].

Core Viewpoint - The carbon credit system under the Paris Agreement facilitates the cross-border flow of climate funds, achieving carbon reduction goals at lower costs and higher efficiency [1][11]. Development of China's Carbon Market - China's carbon market has evolved from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to a comprehensive system that includes mandatory and voluntary trading markets, ensuring a healthy and orderly operation [4][5]. - The voluntary carbon market has experienced fluctuations, with significant developments starting from 2012, including the establishment of the national certified voluntary emission reduction (CCER) program [4][5]. - The national carbon market has seen a significant expansion, with the launch of the national power quota market in 2021 and the voluntary emission reduction trading system in 2023 [5][6]. Market Performance and Mechanisms - In 2024, the national carbon market's trading volume reached 189 million tons, with a transaction value of 18.114 billion yuan, marking a new high since its inception [6][7]. - The trading price in the carbon market has shown a steady increase, with the closing price in the fourth quarter stabilizing between 97 yuan/ton and 106 yuan/ton [7]. - The market's trading activity has significantly increased, with a turnover rate of 3.5% in 2024, compared to approximately 2.0% in previous years [6][7]. Policy Recommendations for Market Development - To enhance market vitality, it is essential to diversify trading products, participants, and methods, encouraging participation from financial institutions and individual investors [9][18]. - Implementing a paid quota usage mechanism, similar to the EU carbon market, is recommended to internalize costs and improve price discovery [9][18]. - Strengthening environmental information disclosure and building a robust integrity system are crucial for ensuring data quality and market credibility [10][18]. International Cooperation and Market Expansion - Attracting participation from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative can enhance the quality and openness of China's carbon market, promoting international carbon asset transactions settled in yuan [1][11]. - Active participation in international rule-making is necessary to establish a legal, international, and modern carbon market, increasing its global attractiveness and influence [1][11].