ETS Summer University
The ETS Summer University project funded by the European Commission responds to the need for improved understanding of emissions trading as a climate policy instrument in developing countries and emerging economies.
The project provides support to future leaders to help build the capacity to design and manage emissions trading systems across the globe. It does so by combining in-person courses and an e-learning course.
ETS Training Courses
The in-person courses provide an intensive introduction to all aspects of the design and implementation of emissions trading systems as a tool to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Two types of courses are organised under the auspices of the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP) since 2009:
- The ICAP Summer Schools targeting a global audience take place in Europe typically in July. The call for applications is launched in April/May.
- The 2-week ETS Training Courses with a specific regional focus typically take place in April-May. The call for applications is launched in January/February.
The courses are open to participants from around the world. Between 25 and 30 highly qualified policy makers and stakeholders from the non-governmental, academic and private sectors are selected for each course.
Teachers include experienced decision makers from administrative authorities in ICAP member countries, representatives of educational and research institutions, market analysts and industry representatives.
Topics covered:
- Determination of the emissions cap and reduction targets
- Scope and coverage of a trading scheme
- Allocation methods
- Adequate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV)
- Data collection and inventory generation
- Registry design and implementation
- Opportunities offered by linking systems
- Stakeholder engagement
- Competitiveness concerns
- Impacts on and responses from covered entities
- Offset mechanisms
- Market analysis and drivers
How to apply:
The calls for applications are published on the ICAP website.
ETS Online Course
The e-learning course is open to anyone interested in how emissions trading systems work.
The course covers the theory, design and operational considerations of emission trading systems, focusing particularly on the needs of developing countries.
It supports the development of best practice through the study of the major concepts and prominent case studies, including the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS) as the world’s largest system.
The course is open to all levels of ETS learners and practitioners. It is particularly useful for policy makers and other environmental professionals.
How to take the course:
The online classes are free and accessible at any time on any computer with an Internet connection. Please note that Google Chrome or Adobe Flash 10 or above are required.
The course consists of 22 units:
| Theory and Rationale of Emissions Trading as a Climate Policy Instrument | Technical Design and Implementation of Emissions Trading Systems | Understanding the Market, its Stakeholders, and the Politics of ETS |
|---|---|---|
Unit 1 Instrument Choice in Climate Policy: Theory and Practice Unit 2 Emissions Trading in the Policy Mix: Opportunities, Challenges and Policy Interactions Unit 3 Establishing an ETS: Design Elements and Choices | Unit 7 Scope and Coverage Unit 8 Tools and Methodologies for Data Collection and Inventory Generation Unit 9 Allocating Allowances in an ETS Part I: Basics Unit 10 Allocating Allowances in an ETS Part II: Options, Implications and Experiences Unit 11 Establishing a Functioning Registry: Standards and Best Practices Unit 12 Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, Compliance and Enforcement | Unit 15 Carbon Market Dynamics Unit 16 Balancing Supply and Demand: Addressing Uncertainty in Dynamic Markets Unit 17 Carbon Market Oversight Unit 18 Leakage and Competitiveness Unit 19 Stakeholder Outreach and Involvement Unit 20 Corporate Strategies to Manage Compliance and Risks |
| Evolution of Emissions Trading and Current Developments around the World | Market Readiness and Specific Challenges for Developing Countries | Advanced Policy Options and Long-Term Perspectives |
Unit 4 International Climate Change Cooperation and Global Emission Trading Unit 5 EU ETS: Evolution and Experiences Unit 6 ETSs around the World | Unit 13 Developing Countries in the Carbon Market: Specific Challenges and Market Readiness Unit 14 Administrative Structure for Emissions Trading: Ensuring Capacity for a Functioning Market | Unit 21 Legal and Regulatory Framework for an ETS Unit 22 Linking ETSs |
User instructions
How to use the online course:
- All 22 instructional units can be accessed from the ETS Online Course webpage. No login is required.
- Units are classified in modules. Each module provides a learning path through for learners of different backgrounds and interests.
- To access a specific unit in the online course, click on the unit title. This will link directly to the corresponding unit powered by Adobe Captivate.
- Each unit employs a variety of interactive tools such as pop-up boxes, animations and rollover slides. Users are advised to carefully read the initial slides of a unit to understand the functionality of these features.
Learner/technical support:
Questions and issues related to the ETS Online Course may be submitted to ets-su@development-solutions.eu. Please allow a reasonable response time for queries.
