The global carbon market is already worth $37.5 billion and tripled in value last year alone. With growth like that, it's no wonder venture capitalists and boardroom bigwigs are doing everything they can to get a piece of the action.

Since 2005, public and private investment in carbon funds has grown 100 percent and 175 percent, respectively, to a combined $12 billion. And the number of carbon reduction projects has grown by over 100 percent in the past twelve months.

But even with all the growth, much is still unknown about this nascent industry. Where are carbon emission reductions required by law? Which countries, treaties and international agreements have initiated some form of carbon trading scheme or market? And how, as in individual investor, can I profit from this scenario?

Indeed, there is some information out there, but it is difficult to declare a clear authority on the matter with all the different carbon trading systems and the hundreds of nations and corporations involved.

In an effort to ensure the most credible information about carbon trading is readily available, a slew of initiatives are currently compiling, accrediting and disseminating information and data.

Reuters news service recently commissioned a carbon industry news forum that provides the latest in related news and editorials and sends them out in a weekly email. Members of the forum can also engage in discussion and debate or ask for answers from professionals in the industry.

And the United Nations has launched a web portal to give a boost to efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by aiding the carbon credit exchange arm of the Kyoto protocol known as the clean development mechanism (CDM). The portal is called CDM Bazaar, and is designed to spur the exchange of information among buyers, sellers, and service providers participating in the CDM.

But to really get the inside scoop, you need to get out from behind the desk, hit the conference trail, and talk face to face with those that work in and around the carbon industry every day--trading, reducing, regulating and policy-making.

So today and tomorrow I'll be at the US Carbon Finance Forum in New York City, where a panel of carbon trading experts is presenting the latest information and know-how about such topics as:

· Carbon trading in the U.S.: When and how will a market be created?

· Linking climate change policy to regulatory and economic impact.

· Investment opportunities in the U.S. and global carbon markets.

I'll be coming back armed with new ways to maximize profits by getting in early on what could become one of the biggest industries in the world.

When I get back, I'll put together everything I learned and offer it in next Monday's edition of Energy & Capital.

And, of course, I will continue to cover this topic in the Green Chip Review, our free e-letter.

If you aren't already receiving this free daily publication about how to capitalize from green and renewable energy markets, click here .

Until next time,

Nick

"Energy stocks... The only way a human is going to make any money."

-- Matt Simmons, Peak Oil's first and most vocal proponent,
and founder of the country's last pure play energy investment banking firm.

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