Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Carbon Markets

• Climate change, GHGs, and role of markets in mitigation.

• Evolution of carbon markets: Kyoto Protocol to Paris Agreement.

• Case Study: The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Module 2: Compliance vs. Voluntary Carbon Markets

• Key differences in structure and purpose.

• Standards and registries in voluntary markets.

• Workshop: Mapping opportunities in voluntary vs. compliance markets.

Module 3: Carbon Pricing Mechanisms

• Emissions trading systems (cap-and-trade).

• Carbon taxes vs. carbon trading.

• Simulation: Designing a carbon pricing mechanism.

Module 4: Project Development for Carbon Credits

• Identifying eligible projects (renewables, energy efficiency, forestry).

• Project cycle: design, validation, registration.

• Practical Exercise: Drafting a project idea note (PIN).

Module 5: Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV)

• Principles and procedures of MRV.

• Tools and methodologies for accurate GHG measurement.

• Workshop: Preparing an MRV plan for a carbon project.

Module 6: Trading and Market Operations

• How carbon credits are traded: exchanges, brokers, and OTC.

• Pricing dynamics and market trends.

• Simulation: Trading carbon credits in a mock exchange.

Module 7: Article 6 and International Cooperation

• Market mechanisms under the Paris Agreement.

• ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes).

• Case Study: Bilateral and multilateral carbon trading initiatives.

Module 8: Corporate Climate Strategies & Offsets

• Role of carbon offsets in corporate sustainability.

• Risks of greenwashing and ensuring credibility.

• Practical Exercise: Building a corporate offset strategy.

Module 9: Risk Management in Carbon Markets

• Market, regulatory, and reputational risks.

• Hedging strategies for carbon traders.

• Group Discussion: Lessons from global carbon market fluctuations.

Module 10: Capstone Project – Designing a Carbon Market Roadmap

• Developing a full carbon market participation strategy.

• Integration of compliance, voluntary markets, and MRV.

• Final Presentations: Roadmaps for organizational or national participation.