US Treasury Department Releases Guidelines for Voluntary Carbon Market, Edinburgh Bans Ads for Polluting Industries, and Energy Transition Sector Exp

The US Treasury Department has issued guidelines for a carbon market that is voluntary, but aims to ensure that purchased credits are linked to actual climate-enhancing actions. The market could generate billions of dollars to accelerate clean energy, carbon capture projects, and sustainable farming techniques. However, without firm regulations or enforcement measures, it remains to be seen whether it will effectively slow the increase in planet-warming emissions. Meanwhile, Edinburgh has taken a historic step in the fight against climate change by banning ads for airlines, SUVs, cruise lines, and gas companies, following a similar move by Amsterdam in 2020. An expert in the industry has stated that investment opportunities in the energy transition sector are promising, with $1.8 trillion invested last year, almost twice as much as traditional energy. The sector has experienced flat electricity demand for almost two decades, but is now supply-constrained and has the potential to grow threefold. Despite uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US election, the expert believes that investment in the sector will not be greatly affected, as both sides agree on job creation and gaining independence from China. The momentum of companies committing to a climate focus is rapidly accelerating, driven by demands from shareholders, customers, employees, and regulators.