A look at this new market at the alma mater of the master of all markets, Milton Friedman

The reality of climate change has created a significant financial market.  Until recently, few traders or investment managers outside of Europe had heard of, much less considered the emerging opportunity of climate change and carbon finance.  However, they likely noticed Goldman Sachs’ $23 million investment in the Climate Exchange (LSE:CE) in September 2006 and they most definitely made note of Morgan Stanley’s $3 billion commitment to the global carbon market in October 2006.  Carbon finance experts estimate that the global carbon market is now worth over $27 billion.

Bottom line – financial giants along with Fortune 500 companies, utility & energy companies, fund managers and regulatory bodies are cashing in on the lucrative concept of carbon finance.

The Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by more than 160 countries, who have committed to reduce their green house gas (GHG) emissions by more than 55%.  This agreement allows countries to use a trading system to help meet their GHG emission goals.  The idea behind carbon trading is to reward countries that meet their requirements and provide financial incentives to others to make the effort.  The creation of the Kyoto Protocol has led to the establishment of a rapidly expanding global market which includes carbon exchanges, traders, funds, bankers, brokers, accountants, lawyers, as well as those who monitor & analyze the market.

Delegates will come from organizations such as exchanges, brokerage firms, investment firms, banks, Fortune 500, energy & utility, government, law firms and consulting firms.

Achieving solid financial returns and addressing climate change through carbon finance. 

Delegates from financial institutions:  

• Hedge fund managers        
• Institutional investors    
• Traders & brokers    
• Investment analysts    
• Asset managers     
• Analysts