ABSTRACT
Theories of the policy process are used to identify existing and possible future barriers to personal carbon trading (PCT) in the political and policy arenas. PCT is a policy invention, i.e. a policy that does not yet exist anywhere and therefore is perceived as risky by many. It faces more barriers than ‘conventional’ new policies. Obstacles to PCT are examined at the policy stages of agenda-setting, problem definition, and policy decision. The article highlights the political nature of policy-making, considers how PCT might be kept in the ‘pool’ from which policy instruments are chosen, and elaborates the changes that would be needed in the core values and beliefs currently dominating decision-making forums.
