Greenhouse gas mitigation in emerging economies : market-based versus command-and-control strategies

Abstract

This study was designed to establish which mitigation approach to climate change business in an emerging market would prefer. Since greenhouse gas emissions are a collective concern, it is expected emerging economies play their part in tackling the issue of global warming regardless in spite of concerns on economic growth.The research was a quantitative study designed to determine business’ perception of various mitigation measures. The study was conducted through an online platform and data was gathered from 33 JSE listed companies. Respondents had to be individuals responsible for environmental policy or similar.The study showed that the surveyed organisations were in favour of the emission trading approach as opposed to the carbon tax and the command-and control strategy. In addition, the research revealed that companies are increasingly reporting on their carbon footprint and have detailed policies with regard to greenhouse gas reduction.