The article explores key factors shaping the carbon units market and offers a comparative analysis of external mechanisms for reducing carbon footprints. It provides insights into the circulation and trading systems of carbon emission quotas, emphasizing the role of industrial market mechanisms. Global practices in reducing carbon emissions are examined, along with examples of methods used to calculate carbon emissions. The article highlights the contribution of these mechanisms to combating environmental pollution and offers examples of currently traded quotas. Additionally, it identifies major trends and presents proposals for the future development of the carbon market in Azerbaijan.