Alessandro Vitelli

Journalist

Alessandro Vitelli is an independent reporter and columnist specialising in climate and energy policy and markets for nearly 20 years. He writes about the spread of carbon markets – both voluntary and compliance – as well as the UNFCCC international climate process.
Alessandro covered the development of the first UN carbon credit market under the Kyoto Protocol and observed the negotiations over the Paris Agreement and its Article 6 markets at close range. He has also covered the EU emissions trading system since its inception, as well as markets in the UK, the United States and elsewhere in the world.

EU Launches 2040 Climate Target Debate, Proposes Exporter Compensation

Insight Focus The European Commission has proposed a 90% emissions cut...

European Carbon Prices Fall Back After Energy Price Boost

Insight Focus EUAs reached a four-month high amid tensions between Ira...

EU Begins Climate Talks, Eyes Carbon Credits for 2040 Target

Insight Focus The EU Commission has proposed a 90% cut to emissions by...

EU Carbon Spikes Amid Geopolitical Conflict, Energy Volatility

Insight Focus EUA prices rose above EUR 75.00 for the first time in fo...

Voluntary Carbon Market Falls Amid Criticism, UN Regulatory Push

Insight Focus The value of trades dropped 29% year-on-year in 2024, wh...

California Carbon Auction Stumbles on Federal Pressure

Insight Focus The latest quarterly permit auction cleared at the reser...

EU, UK Carbon Rally Halts Amid Technical Resistance, Investor Worries

Insight Focus EUAs have fallen back after reaching three-month highs. ...

California Carbon Prices Wilt Under Legal Challenges

Insight Focus CCA prices have fallen by a quarter in 2025. This comes ...

EU Carbon Prices Rise as Traders Eye Fundamentals

Insight Focus EUAs have recovered their tariff-induced losses since Ap...

UK Carbon Prices Recover as Market Eyes EU Link

Insight Focus The UKA discount to EUA has narrowed to a 10-month low. ...

Tariffs Trigger EUA Sell-Off as Emissions Drop 5%

Insight Focus EUAs have fallen to six-month low. US tariff announcemen...

US Carbon Prices Plunge Following New Executive Order

Insight Focus President Trump’s new Executive Order seeks to halt su...

US Tariff Announcement Sparks EU Carbon Sell-Off

Insight Focus EUAs dropped by as much as 11% after the US imposed 20% ...

Europe Mulls Options for CBAM Export Compensation

Insight Focus CBAM edges towards implementation despite some countries...

European Carbon Prices Bounce Back as March Options Expiry Nears

Insight Focus EUAs have bounced back by 11% after a 25% rally in natur...

UK Carbon Faces Volatility Amid Market Linkage Speculation

Insight Focus UKAs have experienced significant price volatility. Gove...

Gas Price Plunge Pulls EU Carbon to Four-Month Lows

Insight Focus Natural gas has dropped 30% in one month. At the same ti...

EU Commission Delays CBAM Costs by a Year, Exempts Thousands of SMEs

Insight Focus The European Commission has published proposals to delay...

European Carbon Drops 14% Amid Widespread Energy Sell-off

Insight Focus There has been a heavy sell-off in EUAs triggered by 22%...

European Carbon Prices Stall Amid Potential CBAM Changes

Insight Focus EUA prices have stabilised in the low-EUR 80s. Natural g...

UK Carbon Rises Nearly 50% Amid Speculation Over EU Market Link

Insight Focus UKA prices have jumped from GBP 31.10 to as high as GBP ...

Speculative Surge Boosts EU Carbon Prices 30%

Insight Focus European carbon prices have surged over 30% in six weeks...

UK Carbon Prices Near Record Low as EUAs Surge

Insight Focus UKA prices are already down 12% year-to-date and nearing...

EU Carbon Rallies as Geopolitics, Weather Drive Demand

Insight Focus EUAs are up 23% since mid-December. Fossil-fuel based po...

Carbon Prices Rally as EU ETS Set to Expand in 2025

Insight Focus EUA prices rallied EUR 13/tonne over the second half of ...

EUA Supply Faces Stable 2025 Followed by Tight 2026

Insight Focus Gas prices are falling despite higher consumption and lo...

UK to Include Maritime Emissions in Carbon Market

Insight Focus The UK proposes including domestic maritime emissions in...

Spec Shifts and Gas Prices Boost EUA Outlook

Insight Focus Funds maintained net short positions for 67 weeks ending...

Developing Countries “Insulted” By COP29 Financing Pledge

Insight Focus Baku Finance Goal set the aim of USD 300 billion a year ...

COP29 Kicks Off with Step Forward for Carbon Markets

Insight Focus Leaders at COP29 adopted new standards for carbon projec...

UN Climate Summit Faces Trump Threat, Finance Questions

Insight Focus Nations are set to discuss raising “trillions” to fu...

UK Budget Statement Brings No News on Carbon Market Reforms

Insight Focus The annual statement made no mention of the carbon marke...

EU-UK Carbon Market Link Could Solve UKA Surplus Issues

Insight Focus The UK carbon market continues to face an oversupply of ...

EU Carbon Price to Drop Further as Demand Lags

Insight Focus EUA prices are poised to drop below EUR 60. In fact, the...

European Carbon Prices Navigate Volatility and Gas Influence

Insight Focus Carbon prices hit a six-month low after compliance sea...

UK ETS Prices Dip After Proposed Phase Delay

Insight Focus The government has proposed to extend first compliance...

EU Emissions Trading Deadlines Reshape Market

Insight Focus The 2023 compliance cycle in Europe’s emissions trad...

Draghi Warns CBAM, Energy Costs Threaten EU Competitiveness

Insight Focus CBAM enters full implementation in 2026, when free EUA a...

EU Fossil Power Generation Slump Continues in 2024

Insight Focus Gas, coal and lignite generation is down 14% in 20...

Carbon’s Outlook Brightening as Investors Slash Short Positions to 1 Year Low

Insight Focus Funds’ positions are now the most balanced s...

Interest Rates Lower for More Sustainable Companies, ECB Finds

Insight Focus Eurozone banks have been found to charge higher ra...

Gas Price Rise Could Stimulate Coal Generation, EUA Demand

Insight Focus European gas prices have risen amid geopolitical t...

EU Carbon Remains Calm Amid Stock Market Jitters

Insight Focus EUA futures have shrugged off recent volatility in...

US Carbon Markets Diverge in 1H’24

Insight Focus California prices peaked early then declined amid regula...

EUA Market Turns Bearish as Supply Set to Rise

Insight Focus EUAs have dropped back into mid-EUR 60s after brief rall...

EU’s Free Carbon Permit Handout For 2024 Underway

Insight Focus Brussels has issued over 76% of free 2024 EUAs, with ind...

EU’s CBAM Drives Growth in Global Carbon Markets

Insight Focus EU CBAM will require imports to pay for embedded emissio...

Carbon Credit Market Undergoes Revamp to Address Criticisms

Insight Focus Recommendations are being updated by numerous organisati...

UK Carbon Price Falls as Election Reality Sets in

Insight Focus UKA prices fell last week after having rallied more than...

European Elections May Challenge 2040 Carbon Targets

Insight Focus Right-wing parties make gains at expense of Greens and s...

UK ETS Verified Emissions Drop 12.5% in 2023

Insight Focus UK power sector emissions fell 12.5% in 2023, while indu...

European Commission Cuts 266M EUAs from Supply in 2024-25

Insight Focus The annual Market Stability Reserve reduction is at its ...

Gas Continues to Play Key Role in EU Carbon Markets

Insight Focus Gas is competing with lignite as the main fossil power g...

US Carbon Prices at Record Levels Amid Potential Cap Cuts

Insight Focus California’s carbon allowance prices reached record US...

Funds Maintain Long Carbon Positions Despite Weak Demand Outlook

Insight Focus Funds have cut short positions by nearly 50% since Febru...

Germany Confirms First Cancellation of EUAs to Offset Coal Plant Closures

Insight Focus Germany cancelled 12.3 million EUAs from the 2025-2030 a...

Analysts Predict Sharp Jump In EUA Price Beyond 2026

Insight Focus Although carbon prices have bottomed out at as low as EU...

EU Carbon Market to Remain Volatile for Two Years

Insight Focus Europe’s carbon market has become a “price taker” ...

Carbon Group Set to Accept Scope Three Offsets in About-Turn

Insight Focus The Science Based Targets initiative has rolled back opp...

EU ETS Installations Report Record 16% Drop In 2023 Carbon Emissions

Insight Focus Power sector emissions dropped 24% amid sharp growth in ...

Funds Begin to Unwind Record Carbon Short Positions

Insight Focus Investment funds held record net short position at the e...

UK Government Consults on Carbon Border Tax

Insight Focus The UK proposes to include ceramics and glass, which wer...

Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

Insight Focus The EU’s CBAM entered into force last October. Importe...

ICE Adds “Mini-EUA” Futures Contract Designed for Shippers

Insight Focus A new contract launched by ICE Endex will trade in 100-t...

Investment Funds Up Bets Against Carbon Price Rise

Insight Focus Funds currently hold a record net short position. EUA pr...

Close-up of the California State Capitol building dome, showing architectural details, with the U.S., California, and POW/MIA flags flying on flagpoles against a clear blue sky.

US Carbon Markets Trade Near Records Ahead of Reforms

Insight Focus California’s latest auction cleared at a record hi...

A large industrial facility with multiple smokestacks emitting thick white smoke under a cloudy sky, viewed from a road leading toward the plant. Power lines and greenery line the sides of the road.

Analysts See Floor For EU Carbon Market

Insight Focus EUAs have fallen 30% since the end of 2023. Prices now t...

Two industrial smokestacks emit large, dense clouds of dark smoke into the sky, symbolizing air pollution and environmental concerns. The background shows a cloudy sky.

Europe’s 2040 Emissions Proposal Heralds EU ETS Changes

Insight Focus The EC published a goal to cut GHG emission by 90% from ...

Cooling towers release thick plumes of steam into the sky at sunset, reflected in a calm canal lined with boats and silhouetted trees.

UK Carbon Prices Set New Record Low as Demand Ebbs

Insight Focus UKA futures fell to GBP 31.30 last week after having bee...

Smoke billows from large chimneys and cooling towers of an industrial power plant, silhouetted against a dramatic sky at sunset, with clouds partially obscuring the sun.

EU May Propose 90% Net Emissions Reduction Pledge

Insight Focus A draft proposal indicates that the EU is considering a ...

Several tall industrial smokestacks emit thick, dark smoke into the sky, polluting the air and partially obscuring the background landscape of hills and distant structures.

Specs Bet on Further Drops in EU Carbon Market in 2024

Insight Focus The carbon market has dropped as much as 24% since end o...

A factory silhouette emits thick smoke from tall chimneys against a bright, orange-yellow sky during sunset or sunrise, illustrating air pollution and industrial impact on the environment.

EU’s Emissions Reductions Likely To Speed Up EUA Withdrawal

Insight Focus EU’s CBAM driving market building around the world...

Aerial view of a power plant with large cooling towers emitting white smoke, surrounded by fields and under a cloudy sky at sunset.

UK Follows Europe To Launch Carbon Border Tariff

Insight Focus Tariff to create level playing field with countries that...

Thick clouds of smoke billow from industrial chimneys against a partly cloudy sky, indicating heavy air pollution from a factory or power plant.

EU ETS Ends 2023 Down 4.3% Amid Investment Fund Sell-Off

Insight Focus Funds betting on drop in demand amid 25% fall in fossil ...

Silhouettes of industrial cooling towers and chimneys emit thick smoke at sunset, with a colorful sky in the background and the sun partially visible near the horizon.

COP28 Summit Fails To Agree On Rules For Carbon Markets

Insight Focus Countries disagree on rules for project-based market Bil...

A panoramic view of Dubai’s skyline at sunset, featuring the Burj Khalifa towering above other skyscrapers. Below, industrial buildings and warehouses are visible under a dramatic, colorful sky.

UN Carbon Market Set to Take Shape at COP28

Insight Focus This year’s COP climate summit will kick off in Du...

A large industrial complex with red-brick buildings, smokestacks, and pipes sits near a river; urban buildings and a stadium are visible in the background under a cloudy sky. Vegetation is in the foreground.

EU Carbon Prices Drop as Industrial Production Declines

Insight Focus Europe’s natural gas prices remain far above pre-2...

Two industrial chimneys emit thick white smoke into the orange sky during sunset, with silhouettes of factory buildings and distant structures visible in the background.

EU CBAM Nudges Countries to Establish Carbon Markets

Insight Focus Under Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism,...

US Republicans Target Chinese Imports with New Carbon Tax

Insight Focus Border tax targets carbon-intensive materials but also r...

Thick clouds of smoke rise above a tree-covered hillside, indicating a wildfire. The sky is blue and clear, except for the large plume of smoke spreading across the background.

Corporate Climate Disclosure Law Approved in California

Insight Focus The new law requires disclosure of Scope 1, 2 and 3 emis...

A large plume of smoke rises from an industrial chimney, partially obscuring the sun in a cloudy sky, with a second chimneystack visible on the right.

Analysts Cut European Carbon Price Forecasts by around 10% for 2024-2025

Insight Focus Reduced demand for permits reflects fall in power demand...

An aerial view of a large industrial facility with multiple smokestacks emitting thick clouds of smoke, surrounded by fields and water, under a hazy sky.

UK Government Unconcerned At Low Carbon Permit Price

Insight Focus UK minister says CBAM won’t be implemented in full...

Aerial view of an industrial facility with multiple smokestacks releasing thick white smoke into a hazy sky, surrounded by fields and water bodies, indicating air pollution.

Europe’s CBAM Levy Initiates Carbon Market Growth

Insight Focus The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism levy came ...

Energy

Insight

Why are Companies Slowing Purchases of Carbon Credits?

Insight Focus Shell, Nestle among companies turning away from carbon o...

A cityscape at sunset shows several industrial chimneys and cooling towers emitting smoke and steam, surrounded by buildings and residential areas. The sky is clear with a bright sun near the horizon.

Brazil Proposes New Carbon Market Legislation

Insight Focus Companies to be required to buy carbon credits to cover ...

A coal-fired power plant emits smoke from a tall smokestack at dusk, surrounded by large piles of coal and conveyor belts transporting materials under artificial lighting.

Carbon Price Outlook Relies On Utility Demand: ICIS Says

Insight Focus Electricity generation accounts for almost half of all d...

Large industrial plant with tall chimneys emitting thick clouds of smoke under a dark, cloudy sky. The plant is surrounded by leafless trees, emphasizing pollution and environmental impact.

Verra Carbon Credits Purchase Programme Under Scrutiny

Insight Focus Shell has shut down a programme to buy as much as USD 10...

Aerial view of a large power plant with multiple cooling towers emitting white steam, surrounded by green fields, farmland, small houses, and under a cloudy sky.

EU Monitors Goods Emissions With New CBAM Regulations

Insight Focus CBAM reporting will cover a transitional period from 202...

A factory emits thick smoke from tall chimneys at sunset, with dark clouds stretching across the sky and the sun low on the horizon, casting reflections on a frozen, snow-covered landscape.

UK Carbon Prices Collapse, Exports To EU Face Climate Surcharge

Insight Focus UK carbon allowance price falls 50% since March. UK carb...

Rows of wind turbines line rolling green hills under a partly cloudy sky, with a small village nestled in the valley below, surrounded by lush trees and open countryside.

European Carbon Price Outlook Steady Despite Sharp Drop in 1H Emission

Insight Focus EU carbon emissions from electricity generation fell 17%...

A hand holds a small globe with a tree growing on top, symbolizing environmental protection and sustainability, against a blurred green background.

IC-VCM Publishes New Framework Assessment to Certify Crediting Standards

Insight Focus New criteria released to assess the quality of carbon cr...

A large industrial power plant with several cooling towers emitting steam, tall chimneys, domed storage tanks, and surrounding greenery under a clear blue sky.

How Does Biomass Help the Climate?

Insight Focus Biomass is humanity’s original fuel. It’s now underg...

A power plant with tall smokestacks emits large clouds of smoke at dusk. The facility is reflected in a calm body of water in the foreground, with mountains and power lines visible in the background.

Carbon Markets Making Patchy Progress in Asia

Insight Focus Indonesia could launch a cap and trade scheme in 2025. S...

Sunlight shines through green tree canopies, reflected in the glass windows of tall buildings, creating a blend of nature and urban architecture. The perspective looks up toward the sky, emphasizing greenery and light.

UK Plans To Cut Carbon Emissions Cap by 30%

Insight Focus UK publishes carbon market reform proposals Government p...

Aerial view of a power plant with multiple smokestacks emitting thick smoke into a dramatic orange and yellow sky at sunset, with surrounding fields and mountains partly covered in mist.

Carbon Offsetting Code of Practice Shows Key Role of Internal Emission Cuts

Insight Focus New code of practice released for carbon offsets. Helps ...

An industrial area emits large plumes of smoke into the sky, set against a backdrop of mountains and a wide river, with fields and a viaduct in the foreground under soft, early morning light.

New Study Warns Against Using Emissions Avoidances to Achieve Net Zero

Insight Focus Report says carbon offsets “misrepresent climate impac...

Flags of various countries flying on flagpoles in front of modern city buildings, with greenery visible below and a clear blue sky above.

UN Mid-Year Meeting Makes Slow Progress on December Climate Milestones

Insight Focus December’s COP28 Dubai summit may be tricky. Nations w...

A river with trees and buildings.

Bonn Climate Talks Make Slow Progress on Key Carbon Market Principles

Insight Focus Delegates from more than 190 countries are meeting in Bo...

Three European Union flags wave on flagpoles in front of a modern glass building, with trees and sunlight visible in the background.

EU Changes EU ETS Compliance Timetable from 2024

Insight Focus Adjusting companies’ free allocation of allowances tak...

A dramatic aerial view of a power plant emitting thick smoke into the sky at sunset, with golden light illuminating the clouds and surrounding landscape, creating a contrast between pollution and natural beauty.

How Will Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism Work?

Insight Focus CBAM requires some imports to declare embedded carbon em...

A power plant with tall smokestacks emits thick smoke into the sky, seen from a distorted, circular perspective, suggesting environmental impact and pollution. The scene is set at sunset near a body of water.

Carbon Credit Revenue Share Decision Roils Global Market

Insight Focus Zimbabwe has voided all of its existing carbon credit co...

A balance scale displays oil extraction and a barrel on one side, and wind turbine, solar panel, and battery with a leaf on the other, symbolizing the balance between fossil fuels and renewable energy, with greenery in the background.

EU Boosts Carbon Permit Supply To Fund Switch To Renewables

Insight Focus EU approves additional carbon permit supply worth €20 ...

Cooling towers and smokestacks release thick clouds of steam and smoke into the sky at sunset, creating a dramatic, orange-lit scene with heavy pollution visible against the clouds.

EU Changes Emissions Trading Scheme Compliance Timetable

Insight Focus EU proposes to delay annual compliance deadline by 5 mon...

An aerial view of two large yellow dump trucks moving on a dirt road at a mining site, surrounded by piles of gravel and earth.

Return To Coal Threatens Europe’s Switch Away From Fossil Fuels

Opinions Focus Increased demand in 2022 for EU Carbon Emission allowan...

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