全球变化知识资源中心

The production of concrete is a significant source of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that contribute to climate change. Many technical solutions exist for reducing emissions along the concrete supply chain. However, wide scale adoption of these technologies is hindered by a market failure the cost of greenhouse gas emissions is not adequately reflected in cement and concrete transactions. Here, we compare three instruments meant to correct this critical market failure, including: 1) carbon-pricing policies, such as carbon taxes and cap-and-trade programs; 2) command and control policies; and 3) voluntary incentives. We evaluate each policy instrument for its capacity to reduce emissions cost effectively, guarantee emission reductions, spur technological innovation, and generate revenue. Our analysis shows that these criteria favor carbon pricing policies. However, cement and concrete markets are often concentrated and trade exposed. Therefore, regulators should design pricing policies that both combat leakage and do not limit production below socially optimal levels.