ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book investigates the prospects of linking the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) with a proposed Brazilian ETS in the context of harmonised ETS design: A sectoral ETS covering electricity and energy-intensive sectors. It examines in detail the shortcomings of EU ETS and the effectiveness of a similar scheme in the People’s Republic of China. The book analyses the fallout from ‘Dieselgate’ and its impact on EU political agendas. It identifies how different political agendas influence the shift towards decarbonisation of road transport and which agenda is gaining hegemony. The book discusses the discourse surrounding decarbonisation and its impact on EU’s 2050 low-carbon economy goal and to what extent these changes lead to sustainable development. It considers whether a European environmental conscience might serve not only its prime purpose but also as a new driving factor for integration.
