# CO2 pricing

*Last updated: 2026-06-26*

> CO2 pricing makes greenhouse gas emissions a cost factor: every tonne of CO2 equivalent emitted carries a charge, translating environmental externalities into business decisions.

CO2 pricing makes greenhouse gas emissions a cost factor: every tonne of CO2 equivalent emitted carries a charge, translating environmental externalities into business decisions. In transport and logistics, two main instruments apply – emissions trading schemes such as the EU ETS, which covers aviation and is progressively extended to shipping, and carbon taxes levied directly on fuel. Both approaches raise operating costs for carbon-intensive modes and make investment in fuel-efficient fleets, alternative drivetrains, or modal shift more financially attractive. Shippers should note that CO2 costs are increasingly itemised as separate line entries in freight quotes or passed through via bunker and fuel surcharges.

**Source:** [https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en](https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | CO2 pricing |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 103 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-26 |
| Source | https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en |

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*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/co2-pricing](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/co2-pricing)*

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