Australia’s carbon market paradox

Investor enthusiasm for the market is growing despite serious concerns over the integrity of credits

The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) has recently unveiled plans to list three new carbon futures contracts. The stock market operator sees the country’s broader energy transition, under which it aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, as a major investment opportunity. The ASX is not alone in its upbeat assessment, with several financial services providers moving to launch new carbon-based offerings in the past few months. In July, investment group Jarden launched the CommTrade online carbon credit marketplace in Australia. Two months earlier, carbon credit insurer Oka, carbon solutions platform Clima and insurance broker PSC Paragon (Australia) revealed they had teamed up to offer in