This guide provides an overview of the global regulatory landscape for carbon emissions, reporting requirements, and compliance frameworks.
Global Regulatory Framework
- Paris Agreement and international climate policy
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
- International cooperation mechanisms
Regional Regulations
European Union
- EU Green Deal
- EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)
- Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
North America
- US EPA regulations
- State-level initiatives (California, Washington, etc.)
- Canada's carbon pricing system
- Mexico's emissions trading system
Asia-Pacific
- China's national ETS
- Japan's carbon pricing mechanisms
- Australia's climate policies
- Other emerging Asian regulations
Mandatory Reporting Requirements
- Scope and thresholds for reporting
- Calculation methodologies
- Verification requirements
- Compliance timelines and penalties
Voluntary Frameworks
- Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
- CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project)
- Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
Industry-Specific Regulations
- Energy sector regulations
- Transportation sector requirements
- Manufacturing compliance frameworks
- Financial sector disclosure requirements
Preparing for Compliance
- Assessing regulatory exposure
- Building compliance capabilities
- Developing reporting systems
- Verification and assurance processes
Future Regulatory Trends
- Emerging regulations and proposals
- Harmonization of reporting standards
- Increased verification requirements
- Climate litigation risks