The release of the Interim Regulations on Carbon Emission Trading Management and the relaunch of the Certified Emission Reduction (CCER) Program are significant developments for China's carbon market, which is expected to lead to more judicial cases. 

To support China’s judicial practice in addressing climate change with special focus on carbon market, NRDC and Research Institute of Environmental Law (RIEL) of Wuhan University organized a workshop in Wuhan on December 6, convening policy makers and experts from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Supreme People's Court, the Higher People's Court of Hubei Province, China Carbon Emission Registration and Clearing Co., Ltd.,  Wuhan University, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, and North China University of Technology, and local lawyers who have been engaged in carbon market-related business.  The workshop aims to provide insights for the judiciary to better address carbon-related cases. 

NRDC and RIEL released a report on China's carbon-related judicial cases, with a focus on carbon market cases. Based on the analysis of nearly 200 cases, the report finds that the number and complexity of carbon market cases have been increasing in recent years. Further research and clarification on issues such as the legal attributes of carbon allowances are important, as they have significant implications for whether the carbon market can function as an effective market mechanism. How these cases are adjudicated reflects policy considerations in support of green transition. The report is the first-of-its-kind in China, serving as a key reference for the trial of carbon trading cases in local courts. 

The report finds and expert discussion were covered by China Environment News and Hubei Daily.