Dóra Fazekas Carbon Market Implications for new EU - UniCredit ...

directly from CO2 emissions are essentially negligible; at the same time, the authors found that
direct and indirect CO2 emissions are basically equal. They point out that when establishing a
reduction strategy, it is not only primary energy consumption, which has to be taken into account,
but secondary consumption as well. According to the authors, realizing Hungary’s mitigation
policies would result in an approximately 10% drop in emissions. The authors then proceed to
discuss opportunities for achieving reductions in Hungary, and examine which of the mitigation
policies presented may be implemented effectively and efficiently. Through case studies, they
present a detailed overview of energy and carbon taxes; the authors’ conclusion is that these do not
represent optimal solutions for achieving reductions in GHG emissions in Hungary. Their other
case study presents the educational implications of reductions strategies – how these can be applied
on a program-like basis. Their recommendation is to disseminate the relevant information and
behavior, with the aid of experts, to as wide a segment of the population as possible.
During the past three years, the region’s GDP has increased at a significantly faster rate than its
emission of carbon dioxide; achieving one unit of GDP growth has thus required less energy than
previously (see Figure 23).
Figure 23. Hungary’s GDP increase and GHG emissions level, 1990-2006
Source: National Inventory Report (Hungarian Meteorological Service, 2008)
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