Pollution entitlement is a term that refers to the right, granted by the government, to pollute a certain amount. It is often seen as a controversial issue, as many argue that it encourages companies to continue to pollute rather than finding alternative, cleaner methods. Synonyms for pollution entitlement include emissions trading, carbon trading, and cap and trade. Emissions trading involves the buying and selling of permits for a certain amount of pollution, while carbon trading specifically focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Cap and trade sets a cap on the total amount of pollution allowed, and companies are then able to trade credits to stay within their limits. These methods aim to reduce pollution while still allowing for economic growth.