Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent guidelines issued by the central government regarding the establishment and expansion of a national carbon market, emphasizing the transition from intensity control to total volume control and the shift from free to paid quotas [3][5][8]. Summary by Sections Carbon Market Development - The central government has outlined a clear roadmap for building a national carbon market, aiming for comprehensive coverage of major industrial sectors by 2027 and a fully established trading market by 2030 [3][5]. - The guidelines aim to clarify the role of various participants in the carbon market, addressing previous uncertainties [3]. Transition from Intensity to Total Volume Control - The current system is based on intensity control with free quota distribution linked to production levels, but this will shift to total volume control during the 14th and 15th Five-Year Plans [5][6]. - By 2027, industries with stable carbon emissions will be prioritized for total volume control, with a gradual increase in the proportion of paid quotas [5][6]. Carbon Pricing and Market Dynamics - The national carbon market has seen a price fluctuation, with the closing price at 69.69 yuan per ton, down from an average of 72 yuan per ton [10]. - The carbon price has risen from an initial 48 yuan per ton to a peak of 105 yuan per ton, indicating a trend towards higher prices as the market expands [10]. International Cooperation and Market Integration - The guidelines encourage participation in international carbon market mechanisms and the establishment of standards for global cooperation [12][13]. - There is a potential for Chinese companies to leverage their carbon market experiences in international projects, enhancing China's influence in global carbon markets [12]. Future Directions - The guidelines suggest a need for more high-quality carbon credits and a gradual opening of the market to financial institutions to optimize resource allocation [11][12]. - The focus will be on ensuring that companies do not face excessive costs while promoting effective actions towards emission reduction [11].

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].