Even if the results of the climate summit are assessed very differently, at least the conference sent out a very strong signal: CO₂ trading is being pushed through as the crucial instrument to bring more countries on board. "This decision in favor of an offset scheme represents a real breakthrough", says Markus W. Voigt, CEO of the aream Group.

The compromise creates a transnational market for CO₂ certificates and offset projects. This will make it possible to save CO₂ not only on one's own doorstep but worldwide. "Of course, it can be cheaper to initiate projects in a developing country and get credit for the CO₂ savings", says Voigt. "In any case, this leads to more projects and also ensures that more CO₂ is saved per euro invested." 

The rules, which were adopted years ago, have now been substantiated so that double counting is no longer possible. "This has always been a major and justified point of criticism", Voigt said. Another point of criticism is the accusation that wealthier countries can buy their way out of their responsibility for climate targets. "This is wrong if only because the fight against climate change has to be a global one and it only matters that CO₂ is saved, irrespective of where it is saved", Voigt said. 

In addition, the mechanisms of the market economy within the CO₂ trading have a strong steering effect. "The price for CO₂ is an important lever to get the economy and consumers to rethink in a simple way", says Voigt. "Not to force, but to move, that's the key." In Germany, CO₂ pricing has led to fuel becoming more expensive in the transport sector, for example.

But not only that: "At the same time, the EEG levy is also falling, which makes electricity cheaper for consumers", says Voigt. Thus, a double impact and a powerful effect in a single step: "Combustion engines are becoming less attractive compared to electric cars and are disappearing", says Voigt. "Less demand means decreasing supply; after all, many car companies have already announced the end of the combustion engine." 

In this respect, it is to be expected that the decisions made in Glasgow will lead to much greater demand for wind turbines, solar parks as well as intelligent combinations of renewable energies with storage media. "This will provide even greater planning certainty for private sector investments in these plants", says Voigt. "The basis of all calculations becomes even more solid."