Question

What happens if the power plants pollute more than allowed?

Answer 1

The power plants can purchase additional allowances from companies that are more efficient or don’t need all of their allowances. They can also pay to upgrade their systems to pollute less.

Answer 2

It will result in increased air pollution, leading to an increase in the layer of oson (around the Earth there is a fragile layer of a gas called ozone, which protects animals, plants and humans from ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun), climate change and a decrease in the quality of life of the local population with loss of air quality. In short, the environment will be gradually attained which will affect even future generations.

The decisions on whether a plant complies with the regulations should be based on how much pollution it could potentially emit, rather than the current standard of how much it pollutes.