ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Carbon rationing

Carbon is a bad thing for the environment, and it causes pollution. The world has too much carbon, and we need to reduce how much we have to save the planet. Carbon rationing is a way of controlling how much carbon we use. It's like when your parents give you a certain amount of candy you can have each day. We need to set a limit on how much carbon every person, company, and country can use in a year. We call this limit a "carbon allowance." Just like your candy allowance, if you use too much carbon, you're going to run out too soon. And if everyone runs out too soon, then we have a problem. So to help regulate the amount of carbon, we have to pay or trade for more allowances. It's like when you want more candy, you have to ask your parents for more, and sometimes, they might say no. If we're responsible with our carbon usage, we can slow down the harm we're doing to the planet.