Although the current investment climate for carbon credits is a bright one, the future could hold even more promise – in a very big way. As of now most of the industrialized countries in the world are working under some sort of carbon tax system as prescribed by the Kyoto protocols. However, the world’s three biggest polluters are not: India, China and the U.S. When these countries sign on to the protocols then the market should explode. What are the chances of this happening in the near future? It’s hard to say but it depends, as you may have guessed, on politics.
Politics in the U.S. to start, but also in China. First, though, U.S. President Obama has to make clear what he intends to do this year, if anything, on his carbon credit – or as it’s called in the U.S., cap and trade – policy. He started the year with a very positive agenda and seemed committed to making progress. However, since June his direction and resolve have seemed rather vague. And with the mid-term elections looming in November the situation becomes even more complicated. Republicans look poised to regain a majority of seat in the House of Representatives and also gain in the Senate. This could make passage of any kind of cap and trade legislation difficult because Republicans tend to favor big business and big business figures that cap and trade will cost them money.
So the direction forward in the U.S. will most likely be uncertain until after November 2. And even then it may take a considerable amount of time to get any legislation passed. But if laws mandating carbon offsetting ever do take place in the U.S. the effect on the carbon market will be immense. First, the U.S. itself is a huge market and the demand for certified carbon offset projects will skyrocket.
Secondly, there will be a knock-on effect in regard to China and India. Up until now, justifiably so, China and India have resisted signing on to Kyoto because of the U.S. refusal to do so. If the U.S. agrees, however, then there will be pressure on China and India to follow and it probably won’t take long for them to do so.
And in China’s case there is additional incentive because China is positioning itself as the world leader in green energy technology. It would be very difficult for China to continue on that path without at the same time ratifying the Kyoto protocols. Their rapidly developing stature in this field would be greatly enhanced by their ratification of Kyoto and their participation in some form of carbon emission control. The addition of China would also greatly increase demand as would India’s participation.
So what does the future hold for the global carbon offset market? It all may boil down ultimately to an election that will take place in the U.S. in about six weeks. Then again, it may not. Obama may not have the political capital or will to force through his carbon cap and trade policy even if the Democrats maintain their present level of control in the government.
His primary concern is the American joblessness problem and the economy as a whole so carbon may take a back seat no matter who wins in November. Until then, though, it’s anybody’s guess as to what may happen. Watch for an update after November.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Basics Of Carbon Offsetting
In order to reduce global emissions we all must reduce as many carbon producing activities as possible, and offset the emissions we cannot eliminate by purchasing carbon credits. There are many motives attracting companies and individuals to the carbon market. Many participants are attracted solely by their corporate and private contribution to the impact of global climate change, although public perception of corporate environmental responsibility has become increasingly important. Additionally, a noticeable trend is developing for speculation in the future value of carbon at both corporate and private levels through carbon offset holdings in various registries.
Both the compliance and voluntary markets have seen substantial growth in recent years with recent downward pressure perceived as a direct correlation between carbon prices and reduced industrial output during the recent global economic downturn. As many economies are now coming out of the recession and with ever stringent UN emissions targets coming into force, most experts expect the emissions markets to experience significant growth. Businesses are now more aware of their public perception and social responsibility and are extremely motivated to announce their green credentials.
Many investment banks such as JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Barclays and Goldman Sachs have all entered the market place. Nearly every investment bank has set up an environmental markets division and there are now a host of funds that are dedicated to the sector. There are also a number of exchanges where carbon credits are traded and this part of the industry is expected to show huge growth as is the outright sale of credits.
Expectations are high, and estimates of the potential size of a U.S. cap and trade market range from $300 billion to $2 trillion. SBI Energy claimed in their 2009 report that the value of the carbon market has grown from $727 million in 2004 to $118 billion in 2008 globally. One thing is certain and that is that the overall size of the market will continue to grow, especially if the three major countries that are now not part of the Kyoto Protocol – America, India and China – eventually sign on the agreement.
The carbon markets offer a number of enticing factors. If you would like to offset emissions personally or professionally, you can use a carbon calculator to anticipate the amount of CO2e offsets you would require to reach carbon neutral status. Many carbon websites have these on their home page so it is easy to figure out what your carbon footprint actually is.
Alternatively, you may be searching for an ethical investment that may provide potential profits yet ultimately offers many positive effects to our environment. Although U.S. cap and trade may become the catalyst that drives the future of carbon, one should be aware that investment in the carbon markets is highly speculative, and that the prime motivation should always be the environmental benefits.
Whatever your interest, there is one thing that you shouldn’t ignore and that is the opportunity to make a substantial profit from this burgeoning market while at the same time doing something to help the planet.
Both the compliance and voluntary markets have seen substantial growth in recent years with recent downward pressure perceived as a direct correlation between carbon prices and reduced industrial output during the recent global economic downturn. As many economies are now coming out of the recession and with ever stringent UN emissions targets coming into force, most experts expect the emissions markets to experience significant growth. Businesses are now more aware of their public perception and social responsibility and are extremely motivated to announce their green credentials.
Many investment banks such as JP Morgan Chase, Morgan Stanley, Barclays and Goldman Sachs have all entered the market place. Nearly every investment bank has set up an environmental markets division and there are now a host of funds that are dedicated to the sector. There are also a number of exchanges where carbon credits are traded and this part of the industry is expected to show huge growth as is the outright sale of credits.
Expectations are high, and estimates of the potential size of a U.S. cap and trade market range from $300 billion to $2 trillion. SBI Energy claimed in their 2009 report that the value of the carbon market has grown from $727 million in 2004 to $118 billion in 2008 globally. One thing is certain and that is that the overall size of the market will continue to grow, especially if the three major countries that are now not part of the Kyoto Protocol – America, India and China – eventually sign on the agreement.
The carbon markets offer a number of enticing factors. If you would like to offset emissions personally or professionally, you can use a carbon calculator to anticipate the amount of CO2e offsets you would require to reach carbon neutral status. Many carbon websites have these on their home page so it is easy to figure out what your carbon footprint actually is.
Alternatively, you may be searching for an ethical investment that may provide potential profits yet ultimately offers many positive effects to our environment. Although U.S. cap and trade may become the catalyst that drives the future of carbon, one should be aware that investment in the carbon markets is highly speculative, and that the prime motivation should always be the environmental benefits.
Whatever your interest, there is one thing that you shouldn’t ignore and that is the opportunity to make a substantial profit from this burgeoning market while at the same time doing something to help the planet.
Planning Your New Outdoor Kitchen
Planning your own backyard outdoor kitchen can appear to be a daunting task at first but if you approach methodically and logically then it becomes a much more manageable task. A good place to start is usually by setting up a budget unless, of course, money is no object – how many of us wish we could say that. Anyway, once you know how much money you can spend it makes things easier to plan.
Next, is surveying the space that you have and deciding what is possible from a practical standpoint. Obviously, if you don’t have the space for a mega-outdoor kitchen then it doesn’t matter how elaborate you want your kitchen to be. You’re limited by your space and have to plan accordingly.
At this point you have to decide whether or not you want to bring in an outside designer/consultant to help with the planning.
This really is a function of how much time you want to spend on the whole project yourself. Hiring someone to help would probably make the whole process less time consuming and may ultimately help you end up with a better finished product but you may get a lot of enjoyment out of taking the time yourself to do the research and planning.
Since there are so many sources of information now on the internet it cuts down greatly on the time needed to do research on both designs and equipment. Simply visiting a lot of outdoor kitchen design sites can provide you with numerous ideas as to what you might want your kitchen to look like. And the same goes for sites that retail gas grills, sideburners, smokers, refrigerators and the many other accessories that can make up a great outdoor kitchen.
So you can do a lot of research on your own before bringing in the designers and builders or you engage these experts from the start and let them help you with all of the major decisions that go into creating your perfect outdoor kitchen. Either way, the process becomes a collaborative one and it really pays to find some people to work with that you really feel comfortable with and who seem to understand your vision of what you want. The biggest and most experienced company isn’t necessarily the best for you so make sure you shop around a little and see who’s available in your market area to help you.
And one of the other important things that you need to decide in the beginning stages of your planning is just exactly what kind of outdoor kitchen you really need, as well as want. It might be nice to have a kitchen with all the bells and whistles and everything else that’s available to use but if your level of expertise isn’t the highest and your gatherings aren’t really going to warrant the need for this type of facility then you should probably scale back your plans a bit. See what works for you first and then add features as you go. This is something that experienced designers can help you do and it will make your whole outdoor kitchen experience a lot better in the long run.
Next, is surveying the space that you have and deciding what is possible from a practical standpoint. Obviously, if you don’t have the space for a mega-outdoor kitchen then it doesn’t matter how elaborate you want your kitchen to be. You’re limited by your space and have to plan accordingly.
At this point you have to decide whether or not you want to bring in an outside designer/consultant to help with the planning.
This really is a function of how much time you want to spend on the whole project yourself. Hiring someone to help would probably make the whole process less time consuming and may ultimately help you end up with a better finished product but you may get a lot of enjoyment out of taking the time yourself to do the research and planning.
Since there are so many sources of information now on the internet it cuts down greatly on the time needed to do research on both designs and equipment. Simply visiting a lot of outdoor kitchen design sites can provide you with numerous ideas as to what you might want your kitchen to look like. And the same goes for sites that retail gas grills, sideburners, smokers, refrigerators and the many other accessories that can make up a great outdoor kitchen.
So you can do a lot of research on your own before bringing in the designers and builders or you engage these experts from the start and let them help you with all of the major decisions that go into creating your perfect outdoor kitchen. Either way, the process becomes a collaborative one and it really pays to find some people to work with that you really feel comfortable with and who seem to understand your vision of what you want. The biggest and most experienced company isn’t necessarily the best for you so make sure you shop around a little and see who’s available in your market area to help you.
And one of the other important things that you need to decide in the beginning stages of your planning is just exactly what kind of outdoor kitchen you really need, as well as want. It might be nice to have a kitchen with all the bells and whistles and everything else that’s available to use but if your level of expertise isn’t the highest and your gatherings aren’t really going to warrant the need for this type of facility then you should probably scale back your plans a bit. See what works for you first and then add features as you go. This is something that experienced designers can help you do and it will make your whole outdoor kitchen experience a lot better in the long run.
The Basics Of Building An Outdoor Kitchen
It seems like more and more people are interested in building their own outdoor kitchen nowadays. Well, maybe not building it
themselves of course, but working with a designer and builder to come up with a great design for the space that they have to
work with in their backyard. What’s driving this trend? It’s hard to say but in a way it might be the economy.
Even though it can cost a bit to build a great outdoor kitchen, once it’s done you just have to buy food and invite over your
friends and relatives. So maybe instead of entertaining in expensive restaurants it’s actually cheaper in the long run to just
entertain at home. There’s less traveling and more fun as you can cook what you like and sharpen your skills as a chef.
And with the tremendous variety of equipment available on the market and plenty of places to buy online the prices on all
kinds of equipment couldn’t be better. Also, many companies offer free design services and consultations so it’s even easier
than ever to put together the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
The process with most companies that specialize in outdoor kitchen construction is quite simple. Give them a call and let them
know basically what you’re looking. Most companies will be happy to come out to your house right away and survey your space.
Then, with some ideas for you on what you want and also a budget to work with, they can put together a design that will
fulfill your needs.
When it comes to the equipment itself, most companies either sell it themselves or work with large retailers who have a big
selection of the various elements that make up a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Gas grill are, of course, usually the
centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen but other accessories that you may want to consider include smokers, sideburners,
refrigerators and icemakers, warming drawers, outdoor electronics, tools and accessories and even pizza ovens.
Because if you want to have a really great outdoor party then you’re going to want to be able to conduct it all outdoors and
not just cook outside. A great thing to do this time of year (autumn) is have a great Saturday or Sunday afternoon barbecue
and watch your favorite football teams go at it. The farther south you are, the longer into the season you can go but even in
cold weather locales you can prolong your outdoor entertaining season with the use of outdoor space heaters which can raise
the temperature just enough to make it comfortable with only a sweater on.
Whatever you eventually decide to do with your outdoor kitchen just make sure that you hire a reliable builder that has had
experience with outdoor kitchens before and knows the ins and outs. Also make sure that you research both equipment prices
thoroughly as well as construction material prices and costs. It’s so easy to do now with the internet. In a couple of hours
you can compile all the information you need to make your fantasy outdoor kitchen an affordable reality.
themselves of course, but working with a designer and builder to come up with a great design for the space that they have to
work with in their backyard. What’s driving this trend? It’s hard to say but in a way it might be the economy.
Even though it can cost a bit to build a great outdoor kitchen, once it’s done you just have to buy food and invite over your
friends and relatives. So maybe instead of entertaining in expensive restaurants it’s actually cheaper in the long run to just
entertain at home. There’s less traveling and more fun as you can cook what you like and sharpen your skills as a chef.
And with the tremendous variety of equipment available on the market and plenty of places to buy online the prices on all
kinds of equipment couldn’t be better. Also, many companies offer free design services and consultations so it’s even easier
than ever to put together the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
The process with most companies that specialize in outdoor kitchen construction is quite simple. Give them a call and let them
know basically what you’re looking. Most companies will be happy to come out to your house right away and survey your space.
Then, with some ideas for you on what you want and also a budget to work with, they can put together a design that will
fulfill your needs.
When it comes to the equipment itself, most companies either sell it themselves or work with large retailers who have a big
selection of the various elements that make up a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Gas grill are, of course, usually the
centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen but other accessories that you may want to consider include smokers, sideburners,
refrigerators and icemakers, warming drawers, outdoor electronics, tools and accessories and even pizza ovens.
Because if you want to have a really great outdoor party then you’re going to want to be able to conduct it all outdoors and
not just cook outside. A great thing to do this time of year (autumn) is have a great Saturday or Sunday afternoon barbecue
and watch your favorite football teams go at it. The farther south you are, the longer into the season you can go but even in
cold weather locales you can prolong your outdoor entertaining season with the use of outdoor space heaters which can raise
the temperature just enough to make it comfortable with only a sweater on.
Whatever you eventually decide to do with your outdoor kitchen just make sure that you hire a reliable builder that has had
experience with outdoor kitchens before and knows the ins and outs. Also make sure that you research both equipment prices
thoroughly as well as construction material prices and costs. It’s so easy to do now with the internet. In a couple of hours
you can compile all the information you need to make your fantasy outdoor kitchen an affordable reality.
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