1 June 2012: The 9th annual Carbon Expo, held in Cologne, Germany, and organized by the World Bank, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and Koelnmesse, showcased that despite economic and regulatory uncertainty, carbon markets continue to develop at vibrant pace.

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), opened the Carbon Expo on 30 May 2012, highlighting slow but steady progress in designing a climate regime for the future, despite financial turmoil.

The Expo featured over 34 conference sessions spread over three days, as well as exhibition stands and side events. Over 2500 participants from 95 countries were provided an overview of the challenges faced by carbon markets, as well as new approaches to their regulation. It also provided a networking and business opportunity for carbon market actors.

Issues addressed included: new market instruments within the UNFCCC framework; the reform of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM); carbon markets and the transport and aviation sectors; green power markets for renewable energy; and how to manage carbon prices to foster innovation.

The organizers also announced that the next year’s fair will be held in Barcelona, Spain, and the year thereafter will return to Cologne, Germany. [IISDRS Sources] [Carbon Expo Website]