Towards net zero carbon emissions: carbon pricing strategies and the role of innovative technologies

The 2021 COP 26 Summit held in Glasgow, has resulted, not only in groundbreaking agreements, but also the involvement of private sector investment, the participation of formidable alliances such as the Global Energy Alliance – and for the first time, the engagement of indigenous communities. Whilst ongoing negotiations and outcomes from the Summit appear promising, there are still concerns in relation to the lack of enforceability of agreements. This paper, not only aims to highlight the rationales underlying such concerns, but also consider the merits and applicability of innovative techniques and technologies – as well as notable progress and developments made during the ongoing Summit. The engagement of several economies in the asset purchasing programs and uncertainty in decision making by some in respect of when, how or whether to commence winding up activities, also bears several monetary policy implications. This could in turn, impact outcomes – both intended and unintended, in relation to carbon, and more specifically, oil pricing strategies – which are ideally targeted at mitigating carbon emissions, whilst fostering climate goals and objectives. Given the demands and pressures of governments and economies in deploying funds to households, businesses; central bank engagements in deciding how and when to wind down asset purchase programs, and the need by governments to focus on more urgent and pressing matters such as those related to health, education, in the light of ongoing global developments, how ready and willing are governments able to commit to environmental issues? Herein lies a role for the private sector and private sector investment.