Economic policy instruments play a critical role in addressing climate change by providing mechanisms to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while encouraging sustainable development. These instruments are designed to influence behavior, incentivize low-carbon technologies, and promote efficient use of resources. They can broadly be categorized into market-based instruments, regulatory instruments, and informational instruments, with each category offering specific approaches to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Market-based instruments are the most widely used economic tools for GHG reduction. These instruments use price signals to encourage individuals, industries, and governments to lower emissions in a cost-effective manner. Carbon pricing is one of the central mechanisms in this category, consisting of carbon taxes and cap-and-trade systems. A carbon tax imposes a direct fee on the carbon content of fossil fuels or on the amount of CO₂ emitted. By making carbon-intensive activities more expensive, carbon taxes create an economic incentive for firms and households to adopt cleaner technologies, improve energy efficiency, and reduce overall emissions. The revenue generated from carbon taxes can be reinvested in renewable energy projects, climate adaptation programs, or can be returned to citizens through rebates, thereby offsetting potential economic burdens and enhancing public acceptance. Cap-and-trade systems, also known as emissions trading schemes, establish a limit or cap on total emissions allowed within a jurisdiction. Companies are allocated or can purchase emission permits that represent a specific amount of allowable emissions. Firms that reduce emissions below their allocation can sell surplus permits to other firms, creating a financial incentive for innovation and efficiency. By allowing the market to determine the price of emission permits, cap-and-trade systems encourage emissions reductions where they are most economically viable. Notable examples include the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and regional programs in North America. These schemes can also be linked across regions to expand market efficiency and reduce compliance costs globally. Subsidies and incentives for low-carbon technologies and renewable energy also serve as effective economic instruments. Governments can provide