As of late, the larger exchanges within the United States have been keeping their eye on the global carbon trading market. The reason being? It is expected to double in size by 2012! The main reason for this is because governments and industry are continuing to step up their efforts to reduce pollution. To put things in a monetary perspective, in the year 2006 the market for trading carbon emissions reached 32 billion dollars; by next year it will most likely hit 40 billion. 

Basically, this new market will allow the trading and settlement of carbon dioxide credits and allowances to be bought and sold like any other commodity. Though this explanation is somewhat unspecific, more details are supposed to be announced next month. Analysts are hoping that this new market will help to set an example and inspire other such green markets to begin springing up in the near future. 

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New York Stock Exchange 
Euronext