The COP30 environmental summit in Belém, Brazil, closed with a marked uptick in carbon market activity and clarity on where the global sustainability process will head next year. New data shows that announcements made in the weeks surrounding the conference reached $1.1 billion, representing a 42% increase compared with the previous COP in Baku. This year’s host city, situated at the edge of the Amazon, set the stage for a strong resurgence of nature-based initiatives, which attracted 78% of total commitments, or $880 million.
Two newly planted saplings in the foreground of Çığlıkara Nature Reserve in Turkey, with forest workers in the background. AI generated picture.
The analysis found that afforestation, reforestation and revegetation accounted for the largest share, with $640 million, followed by REDD+ projects at $192 million. Soil carbon and improved forest management drew smaller but notable volumes. Other technology-based areas saw $198 million invested in renewables and clean cookstoves, while engineered carbon removals totalled $46 million, continuing a steady but slower trend compared to previous years when methodology expansion and tech-sector interest had driven the category.
Several significant deals shaped the landscape leading into and during COP30. Among them were a $160 million forward offtake for REDD+ projects by BNP Paribas, Indonesia’s sale of 12 million Article 6 credits to Norway, and a major soil carbon transaction by Mirova. New funds were also introduced by Petrobras, Greencollar, AXA and Ardian, underscoring renewed momentum for nature-based approaches.
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While investment announcements dominated much of the attention, COP30 also resolved a year-long debate over the host of COP31. Following a compromise reached in Belém, Antalya, Turkey, is expected to stage next year’s conference, while Australia’s climate minister, Chris Bowen, will preside over the negotiations—a rare arrangement in the UNFCCC process. The decision ends extended discussions between the two countries and is set to be formalised at the close of COP30.
Logistical challenges in Belém, including heavy storms, overcrowded transport links and even a fire at the convention centre late in the week, highlighted the complexity of hosting such an event. Antalya, with one of Europe’s largest airports, extensive accommodation capacity and experience hosting major summits, is expected to offer a smoother setting.
The shift to Turkey brings the spotlight to a country with a growing renewable energy sector and a newly established emissions trading scheme, while Australia’s leadership at COP31 will place one of the world’s highest per-capita emitters at the centre of next year's negotiations.
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COP30’s renewed flow of capital into nature-based solutions signals a market preparing for stronger standards, clearer methodologies, and greater accountability in the years ahead. With major players directing funds toward ARR, REDD+, soil carbon, and other restoration pathways, expectations for quality and permanence are rapidly accelerating—momentum that will only intensify as the world turns its attention to COP31. At Green Earth, our nature-based projects are already aligned with this shift, delivering verified, high-integrity carbon credits that restore ecosystems, support communities, and stand up to the rising bar of environmental integrity. As global demand grows and market signals strengthen, this is the moment to turn interest into action—and we invite you to take the next step with us.
