Sustainability and carbon market news

The European Commission has published its long-awaited EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) review proposal, and the carbon market responded with a rebound. Following the announcement on 17 July 2026, EU Allowance (EUA) prices climbed by roughly €7,...

Ukraine has approved a regulatory framework for the international issuance and transfer of carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The cabinet of ministers adopted the measure on Wednesday, giving the country its first formal legal...

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to introduce Lumiere, its new national carbon registry, at the 8th Global Environment Facility Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in June. Full operation of the platform is expected later in 2026,...

New Zealand has released a new assurance framework to support the development of verified nature and carbon markets domestically, giving buyers, landowners, and project developers greater confidence in market integrity. Environmental workers...

Green Earth attended the European Climate Summit (ECS) 2026, where speakers from across the energy, finance, and policy sectors gathered to discuss the evolving role of carbon markets. Several sessions stood out for their relevance to the verified...

The UK's Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is procuring carbon credits to address the embodied emissions from constructing a new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The department...

Indonesia has established a greenhouse gas emissions baseline for its seagrass ecosystems, marking a significant early step in the development of a blue carbon framework for the country's marine and fisheries sector. Indonesian seagrass meadows...

Bolivia is preparing to publish its national carbon market regulatory framework by the end of April 2026. The announcement was made by Jorge Avila, Vice Minister for Environment, at the Bolivia Carbon Forum in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Bolivian...

South Korea’s Gyeongbuk Province has entered into a landmark agreement with Mongolia to jointly advance carbon reduction projects under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 mechanism. The move marks the first time a South Korean local government has...

Switzerland may need to significantly expand its purchases of international carbon credits in the next decade to stay aligned with its long-term environmental goals, according to the KliK Foundation, which manages the country’s carbon offset...

Italy has taken a decisive step toward integrating nature conservation with market mechanisms by launching a national registry for voluntary carbon credits. The initiative aims to protect the country’s ten million hectares of forests and ensure...

Brazil is moving forward with plans to establish a national carbon registry within the next 15 months, a move set to underpin its upcoming emissions trading system (ETS), the Sistema Brasileiro do Comércio de Emissões (SBCE). The registry will serve...

The UK government has released its Greenhouse Gas Removals (GGR) Business Model, a long-anticipated framework aimed at scaling up carbon removal technologies and supporting the country’s net-zero strategy. Published in August, the plan sets out...

China is preparing to overhaul its national carbon market by introducing absolute emission caps in selected industries starting in 2027. The move, announced by the State Council on 25 August, represents a major departure from the current system,...

Brazil’s federal government is making $3 billion (BRL 16.5 billion) in subsidised funds available to banks under the second phase of its EcoInvest programme, aiming to restore 1.4 million hectares of degraded land nationwide. The funding will act as...

South Africa has unveiled a revised draft of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), introducing a new emissions target for the 2031–2035 period. This latest environmental commitment reflects a roughly 10% reduction compared to the 2026–2030...

Turkey has unveiled its long-anticipated draft regulation for a national emissions trading system (ETS), laying the groundwork for a phased rollout of the scheme for high-emitting sectors that includes offset use up to 10% and sector-specific...

The UK is set to become the first country to formally integrate carbon removals into a regulated compliance market, marking a significant shift in environmental policy that could reshape the economics of the carbon market. By 2029, carbon removal...

Uzbekistan has introduced a new law that paves the way for the creation and international trade of carbon credits, marking a significant step in the country’s environmental policy. Signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the ‘Law on Limiting...

Chile is preparing to implement its first homegrown carbon offset methodology under the country’s carbon tax system, with a new pilot project designed to replace traditional wood-burning heaters with energy-efficient split air conditioning units in...

Kenya has taken a significant step in aligning its carbon market infrastructure with international frameworks by releasing a draft regulation for a national carbon registry. The proposed digital system is designed to support the implementation of...

The United Kingdom and European Union have unveiled a significant environmental collaboration: the formal linking of their respective Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS). The agreement, announced at the UK-EU Summit in London on 19 May, represents a...

More than 20 prominent organisations in the carbon market sector have issued a united call urging governments to create clear policy guidance that supports voluntary corporate environmental actions alongside national commitments under the Paris...

In a significant move to safeguard its environmental ambitions, the Dutch government has pledged €639 million ($726 million) to the Aramis carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiative—the Netherlands' largest project of its kind. The funding aims to...

South Africa has announced an increase in the allowable use of carbon offsets under its tax system, a move expected to stimulate the country’s domestic carbon market. The changes, set to take effect in 2026 as part of the second phase of the carbon...

Nigeria has unveiled an ambitious plan to distribute 80 million clean cookstoves nationwide, beginning with 6 million units in the Lagos State. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to generate carbon credits by reducing emissions from...

India is set to establish its own carbon market by mid-2026, a move expected to help industries transition towards cleaner energy and align with global emission standards. Power Minister Manohar Lal confirmed the timeline, emphasising that the...

Ghana is taking a significant step in the international carbon market, with plans to sell over a third of its carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. President John Mahama announced that 5.2 million tonnes of CO2 (tCO2) equivalent...

The United Nations’ Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved $686.8 million in funding for 11 new environmentally focused projects across 42 countries, marking a significant step toward supporting vulnerable communities and reducing global emissions. A...

New Zealand has unveiled its second emissions reduction plan, capping greenhouse gas emissions at 305 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) for 2026-2030. The government is confident the country remains on track to meet its 2050 net-zero target,...

Australia has seen a record rise in new forestry-based carbon credit projects this year, driven by big emitters and an impending expiration of an existing method. According to the Clean Energy Regulator (CER), environmental planting (EP) project...

The European Commission has taken action against 17 EU member states for failing to implement the updated Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) into national law. This directive, an overhaul of the previous Non-Financial Reporting...

In a significant move to stabilise the carbon credit market, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has introduced the first federal guidelines for unregulated carbon offsets. This step, backed by the Biden administration, aims to...

The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on carbon market initiatives. This agreement sets the stage for joint projects and targets, aiming to strengthen...

The New Zealand government has taken decisive action to curb carbon emissions by significantly reducing the number of carbon credits available for auction. Climate Change Minister Simon Watts announced that the government would cut the number of...

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) plans to finalise its carbon credits rulebook within the next six months, marking a significant step towards market integrity and fraud prevention. Aerial view of Tongass National Forest. AI...

Starting September 2024, voluntary carbon credits in the UK will be subject to VAT, according to a new policy announced by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This change will require businesses involved in the creation, sale, or purchase of carbon credits...

A newly inaugurated project, financed by the European Union, is set to expedite the integration of biodiversity strategies within corporate and governmental sectors across Europe. Named A-Track, the project boasts an €11-million budget and is part...

In a significant conservation effort, Bhutan's government, alongside a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), has announced a commitment to mobilise $1 billion over the next 10 years to safeguard tigers and their natural habitats. This...

Canada has taken a bold step in its environmental commitment by earmarking $135 million for carbon removal technologies in its 2024 budget. The update, which was subtly noted in a footnote of the federal budget document, marks a significant...

The Australian government is preparing to introduce its first-ever green Treasury Bond, targeting an issuance window between April and June 2024. The bond, which will mature in June 2034, signifies a strategic pivot towards sustainable and ethical...

A recent study has revealed that governments have been significantly underestimating the financial value of nature's ecosystem services by as much as 180%. Led by a University of Hamburg academic and published in Science, the research proposes a...

The Japanese government is injecting a significant 20 trillion yen ($137.4 billion) to drive decarbonisation efforts, motivating businesses to engage in the emissions trading system (ETS). While ETS participation remains optional for companies, the...

In a historic move, Greenland, through its parliament, Inatsisartut, has committed to joining the Paris Agreement. The decision reflects a collective effort to address growing environmental concerns. The international treaty aims to limit the global...

In a strategic alliance, Sylvera, a leading carbon data provider, has joined forces with the Singapore Government to ensure the availability of high-quality carbon credits, aligning with the Paris Agreement. Concurrently, Sylvera has inaugurated an...

In a groundbreaking announcement at the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Forum during COP28, Princess Haifa Bint Muhammad, the Saudi Vice Minister of Tourism, unveiled plans for Riyadh's metamorphosis into one of the most sustainable cities by 2030. The...

Madagascar has secured $8.8 million in carbon credits, marking a pivotal moment as the third African nation (following Mozambique and Ghana) compensated by the World Bank under the REDD+ program for slashing 1.76 million tonnes of carbon emissions...

In a significant stride towards environmental responsibility, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) of Taiwan has unveiled draft regulations governing domestic carbon credit trading. This marks the commencement of a 60-day public consultation period,...

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered a significant announcement at the COP28 conference in Dubai, declaring the United States' commitment to contribute $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This marks the first US pledge to the fund since...

In a proactive move towards environmental sustainability, Punjab's Caretaker Chief Minister, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, has spearheaded efforts to establish a comprehensive carbon credit plan to accelerate tree planting across the region. During a...

In collaboration with MSA Green Projects, Oman's Environment Authority launched the Oman Blue Carbon project. The goal is to plant 100 million mangrove trees, aligning with the National Zero Carbon Strategy 2050. This venture anticipates the removal...

In a significant move to bolster biodiversity conservation, Malaysia is set to roll out its comprehensive National Policy on Biological Diversity 2022–2030. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of aligning state-level...

The Dominican Republic is set to witness a transformative moment in its carbon reduction efforts as it awaits a significant investment of $6 million from the World Bank in 2024. This momentous development is crucial for the nation's commitment to...

Saudi Arabia plans to introduce its own national carbon credit scheme, designed to allow companies to offset their emissions. The announcement was made during the United Nations’ Middle East and North Africa Climate Week in Riyadh. Views of the...

Paraguay has taken a significant step towards regulating carbon credits as its lower house approved a pioneering bill that aims to establish a comprehensive framework for the ownership and commercialisation of credits generated by projects executed...

Singapore has unveiled key principles to determine the eligibility of international carbon credits, a move aimed at supporting its environmental targets under the Paris Agreement. These criteria will govern the selection of carbon credits to offset...

Vietnam has successfully obtained $41 million from the World Bank to sell forest carbon credits, marking a pivotal step in its commitment to protect its natural environment. This substantial funding comprises 80% of the total amount agreed upon in...

The United Kingdom government has unveiled its roadmap for upcoming legislation aimed at making new housing, commercial, and infrastructure developments nature positive. The formal announcement confirms that the legislation, known as Biodiversity...

Countries in West Africa, notably Senegal and Ghana, are set to enter into agreements with Switzerland to sell carbon credits. These credits originate from projects that promote cleaner and more efficient cookstoves. The transaction is expected to...

Thousands of hectares of peatlands across England are set to undergo restoration, thanks to the UK government’s £16 million investment in 12 new projects. This initiative aims to address climate impacts and biodiversity loss. The government's total...

In a recent development, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Singapore's Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, came together for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This agreement focuses on cooperation for impactful carbon...

In a proactive move towards nature conservation, the United States has unveiled a $150 million grant programme aimed at assisting owners of small forestland parcels in forming partnerships with companies willing to pay for carbon offsets and...

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has revealed a visionary initiative to bolster the nation's infrastructure and promote an environmentally sustainable path. The Growth Acceleration Program, known as the PAC plan, is an accelerated...

The United States Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM) has granted over $13 million to 23 projects aimed at advancing carbon capture technologies and their applications, with the potential to reduce carbon...

Rwanda is making waves in the global carbon market with an ambitious strategy driven by a new forest law put forward to the Lower House. This law, set to replace the 2013 forest management legislation, is designed to enhance forest protection and...

In a significant development, the National Assembly of Guyana has given the green light to a $148 million supplementary funding package. The funds are earmarked for direct disbursements to Guyana's Indigenous communities and climate adaptation...

Tanzania is set to receive a significant boost in its voluntary carbon market as more than 20 companies have committed to investing over $20 billion in carbon offset credits. The adoption of legislation on carbon trading in Tanzania last year...

Despite the challenges in safeguarding natural forests, Cambodia's Ministry of Environment remains confident in its ability to sell carbon credits for socio-economic development. During a recent training session on climate change and REDD+ (Reducing...

The Bahamas' blue carbon credits hold significant value, potentially exceeding $50 billion, and could generate annual revenue in the hundreds of millions, according to Antoine Bastian, Executive Chairman and CEO of Genesis Fund Services Limited. In...

South Africa has taken a significant step toward safeguarding its biodiversity by publishing and implementing the country's first National Biodiversity Offset Guideline. The Guideline, released by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the...

French State Minister for Ecology, Bérangère Couillard, and UK’s Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey, have jointly launched a Global Biodiversity Credits Roadmap aimed at enabling companies to contribute to...

The Brazilian government has announced that the city of Belém will serve as the host for the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) on climate change in November 2025. Belém, often referred to as the gateway to the Amazon River and Rainforest, was...

A recent report by BloombergNEF analysed eight existing biodiversity crediting schemes and assessed their performance based on various criteria. These initiatives cover over 800,000 hectares, with $8 million in funding pledged so far for the...

Vietnam is gearing up to establish its own carbon trade exchange by 2028, as outlined in a draft carbon market project by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. This initiative aims to facilitate the trading and exchange of carbon...

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) in Indonesia is actively working to launch carbon exchange trading in the country by September 2023. To accomplish this goal, the OJK Board Commissioners Chairman, Mahendra Siregar, has revealed that the...

The Australian government announced plans to create a new Net Zero Authority to support communities, workers, and industries in transitioning to a clean-energy economy. The authority will work towards ensuring that traditional industries and...

The United Kingdom government announced new funding for large-scale projects to address nature loss and strengthen biodiversity recovery in the UK Overseas Territories. The Darwin Plus Strategic Fund will support projects worth up to £3 million...

A new report by the US Department of Energy (DOE) revealed that the United States must capture and permanently store between 400 million and 1,800 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually to achieve its net-zero goals by 2050. The report...

Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, H E Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmed bin Ali Al Thani, emphasised the country's commitment to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species, including the hawksbill sea turtle. This...

A coalition of governments has launched the Freshwater Challenge, an unprecedented initiative to restore degraded rivers, lakes, and wetlands that are crucial for addressing the world's worsening water, climate, and biodiversity crises. The...

Parents and students from pastoralist communities in Nasuulu, Oldonyiro, and Biliqo Bulesa Community Conservancies in Isiolo County, Kenya, have a reason to celebrate as the first-ever bursary fund from the sale of carbon credits was unveiled,...

A new report released by Masdar (the host of the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Week) has called for increased financing to support decarbonisation efforts in hard-to-abate industries. These industries include cement, steel, aluminium, petrochemicals,...

France, along with two non-profit organisations, pledged a total of €100 million towards an action plan designed to protect the world's tropical forests. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement at the One Forest Summit, a two-day conference...

New Zealand has one of the highest amounts of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions coming from agriculture, accounting for over half of its emissions. Mainly these originate from methane (CH4) and nitrous oxides (N2O) produced by livestock and animal...

Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is investing $15 billion in various low-carbon projects to reduce emissions and meet decarbonisation goals. The UAE-based oil and gas company plans to allocate the funds across its diversified value chain by...