(Photo: iStock)
As climate action accelerates globally, carbon pricing has become a central instrument for countries seeking to achieve net-zero emissions. In 2025, carbon markets worldwide are exhibiting distinct regional trends—while the EU continues refining its policy tools, China consolidates its role as a leader among emerging markets, and Southeast Asia lays the groundwork for cross-border carbon credit cooperation. These developments reflect a diversified global approach to decarbonization and energy transition.
RECCESSARY’s upcoming annual report Renewable Energy in Southeast Asia and Global Carbon Market Trends: 2024 Recap & 2025 Outlook will analyze these key dynamics in 2025 and provide a retrospective of policy progress over the past year, equipping companies and investors with forward-looking insights.
Performance review: Three leading carbon markets—EU, China, and South Korea
As of 2024, 36 countries or regions have implemented Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), covering around 18% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The following summarizes the carbon market performance of the EU, China, and South Korea.
