Sustainability and carbon market news

The Philippines has adopted a national policy for nature-based solutions (NbS), establishing a framework to scale ecosystem restoration across the country and naming carbon finance among its funding sources. Local community members planting mangrove...

Biochar is gaining traction as a scalable carbon sequestration tool within the verified carbon market. New data from Argentina and a newly inaugurated plant in Cote d'Ivoire show both the scale of the opportunity and its growing real-world...

Climate Impact Partners, Green Earth, and a multinational pharmaceutical company today announced a long-term offtake agreement for the full volume (in excess of 1.5 million tonnes) of expected verified carbon credits from the Mount Kenya...

Three of Europe's largest energy companies—Eni, TotalEnergies, and Engie—posted record carbon credit activity in 2025, with nature-based solutions (NbS) at the centre of each company's strategy. The announcements, each disclosed in annual ESG or...

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) enters 2026 on a more resilient footing, shaped by a year of political headwinds, regulatory breakthroughs, and a decisive shift toward integrity-led growth. View from modern office buildings over a lush green...

Carbon dioxide removal and utilisation technologies are receiving renewed attention as major philanthropic backers seek to accelerate their path to commercial scale. This week, the Bezos Earth Fund announced a new funding programme designed to...

Carbon markets continue to play an important, if still emerging, role in mobilising private finance for nature-based solutions (NBS), according to a new report from the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), ‘State of Finance for Nature 2026: Nature in...

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) has entered a definitive phase of price discovery, where the financial distance between high- and low-integrity credits is expanding. According to ‘The State of Quality and Pricing in the VCM: 2026’, a joint report...

In a significant expansion of its environmental portfolio, Microsoft has finalised a nine-year agreement to purchase 2 million nature-based carbon removal credits from a forestry initiative in Northern Uganda. Microsoft has long recognised that...

In the rapidly evolving landscape of environmental finance, a significant shift toward quality over quantity is reshaping the voluntary carbon market (VCM). Recent data from independent ratings agency BeZero Carbon suggests that the market is...

In a year that tested the resilience of global green finance, the primary carbon offset market has emerged stronger and more focused, expanding by an impressive third to reach a $15.8 billion valuation in 2025. New data reveals a significant...

November saw renewed momentum in nature-based carbon removals, with project developers reporting substantial transaction volumes and new funding commitments despite a slowdown in equity activity. Data shows that developers disclosed around 670,000...

Inter IKEA Group has taken a significant step in advancing its long-term carbon removal strategy by initiating its first large-scale nature-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project. Developed as part of the company’s global $108 million commitment...

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...

Honda has taken another step in its long-running engagement with US agricultural communities by purchasing 1,800 soil carbon removal credits from a major developer of regenerative agriculture projects. The deal highlights the growing interest among...

The cement and concrete sector has made notable progress in reducing its environmental impact over the past three decades, cutting CO₂ emissions per tonne by 25% since 1990. However, a new analysis from the Global Cement and Concrete Association...

As COP30 drew to a close, Amazon has reaffirmed its commitment to afforestation, reforestation and revegetation (ARR) as a core pillar of its carbon removals strategy, signalling continued confidence in nature-based solutions even as debates around...

As COP30 convenes in Belém, Brazil—on the edge of the Amazon rainforest—delegates arrived with extreme weather fresh in mind. The recent typhoons in Southeast Asia, together with ongoing storm recovery in Jamaica and Brazil, brought COP30’s core...

Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward shaping its participation in global carbon markets with the release of its National Carbon Market Framework (NCMF) and the accompanying Manual of Procedures (MoP). The newly approved documents outline a...

The UK could soon require airlines to purchase carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits under a binding compliance mechanism, according to a comprehensive review of the country’s greenhouse gas removal (GGR) policies. The independent review, led by...

A coalition of 30 institutional investors controlling over $3 trillion in assets is demanding urgent policy measures to halt deforestation and ecosystem loss by 2030, warning that the world’s economies face mounting financial risks from unchecked...

A new report by researchers at the University of Cambridge finds that nature-based carbon removals can play a key role in achieving long-term temperature stabilisation when combined with engineered carbon removal approaches and supported by solid...

The biochar carbon removal (BCR) market is undergoing a rapid transformation in 2025, with demand surging to unprecedented levels. In just the first six months of the year, companies contracted 1.6 million tonnes of biochar credits—more than the...

The Australian state of Victoria has introduced a new funding initiative to encourage landowners to develop forestry projects capable of generating carbon credits. Announced on 4 August, the Victorian Trees on Farms Programme (VTOF) offers financial...

Nestlé has inked two long-term agreements to purchase carbon credits from afforestation and regenerative agriculture projects in Brazil, strengthening its strategy to decarbonise supply chains and restore ecosystems critical to cocoa production....

The European Commission has released a strategic blueprint to guide the development of a framework for nature and biodiversity credits across the European Union. This initiative will run in parallel with existing carbon market policies but is...

Global carbon markets are on track for a dramatic transformation, with combined investment in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and carbon offsets projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2050, according to a new analysis by consultancy Wood...

The European Commission has formally proposed a binding environmental target for 2040: a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. The move is a key milestone in the EU’s broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by...

Microsoft has strengthened its position as a leader in nature-based carbon removals by signing a new agreement with Anew Climate and Aurora Sustainable Lands. The 10-year contract secures 4.8 million tonnes of carbon removal credits generated...

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has taken a major step towards its environmental goals by purchasing over 100,000 premium carbon credits through Rubicon Carbon, a California-based green tech platform. The agreement gives ByteDance the right...

Meta, the tech company behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has opened its 2025 Request for Proposals (RfP) as part of its ongoing mission to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its value chain by 2030. Two businessmen are...

Singapore has released a draft guidance document aimed at bringing greater clarity and standardisation to how companies within its jurisdiction use voluntary carbon credits. The move signals a step forward in the city-state’s commitment to...

A major blue carbon project in Mozambique has reached a significant milestone with the planting of 10 million mangrove trees across 1,300 hectares of coastal wetlands. The announcement was made at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, marking a...

Meta and Microsoft have committed to purchasing nearly 1.4 million carbon removal credits from a forestry project on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, marking a significant investment in nature-based solutions. The initiative is designed to...

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) is undergoing a strategic transformation. According to the latest State of the Voluntary Carbon Market 2025 report by Forest Trends’ Ecosystem Marketplace, carbon credit trading volumes dropped 25% in 2024. Despite...

Demand is climbing fast for carbon credits tied to high-integrity reforestation and ecosystem restoration. Tech giants like Microsoft and Google are leading the charge, backing afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) projects with price...

Microsoft has struck a major deal to secure 18 million carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits, continuing its aggressive push to meet its 2030 carbon-negative target. The agreement, announced on 15 May, underscores Microsoft's leadership in the...

Kenya has outlined a new national strategy that will require $45 billion in international support—largely through carbon trading and investment—to meet its updated emissions reduction goals for the 2031–2035 period. An African woman prepares a meal...

Microsoft has significantly expanded its carbon removal portfolio in 2024, making waves with a trio of deals that together represent one of the largest commitments to engineered carbon removal to date. These agreements, spanning reforestation,...

Pakistan has taken a significant step in entering global carbon markets by granting its first-ever approvals under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to two distinct carbon projects. The approvals mark a new chapter in the country’s environmental...

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One (F1) team has invested in forest-based carbon removal (CDR) projects through a new collaboration announced on 13 February. The partnership will support large-scale reforestation efforts in the Southeastern...

Google has significantly expanded its commitment to carbon dioxide removals (CDRs), securing nearly 800,000 tonnes of CO2 removals (tCO2e) to date. The company, which has been actively involved in both direct purchases and buyers' coalitions, has...

Lego is advancing its sustainability strategy with a $2.63 million investment in carbon removal, backing projects that actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This commitment reinforces the company’s long-term goal of reducing its environmental...

Japan is emerging as a leader in the carbon credit market, committing $70 billion to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The nation’s strategy combines economic growth with environmental action, focusing on renewable energy, carbon capture, and...

Canadian agri-tech company Hempalta has acquired full ownership of the Hemp Carbon Standard (HCS), cementing its position in the voluntary carbon market. The company purchased the remaining 49.9% stake in the digital carbon platform from UK-based...

At COP29 in Baku, Norway unveiled its largest financial commitment yet to the global carbon market: a $740 million initiative to purchase carbon credits under the Paris Agreement’s Article 6. This bold move aims to drive demand in the emerging...

Brújula Verde, Colombia’s largest nature-based carbon removal project, has received a $100 million investment from GenZero, Temasek's decarbonisation platform, and global commodities trader Trafigura. Located in the Orinoco River Basin, the...

Triodos Bank has announced a bold commitment to invest €500 million in nature-based solutions by the end of the decade. This initiative, revealed on Tuesday, aligns with the Dutch bank’s broader goals of enhancing biodiversity and addressing...

Carbon Direct’s 2024 State of the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) report highlights an urgent need to expand carbon dioxide removal (CDR), especially in nature-based solutions, to achieve global environmental goals. While CDR technologies are gaining...

The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) is set to address the growing environmental impact of artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time. Kicking off in Baku, the event includes a dedicated ‘Digitalisation Day’, where industry leaders,...

Gold Standard, a leading carbon registry, has launched a two-year pilot to trial its new certification standards for nature-based solutions (NbS). This pilot will evaluate draft requirements designed to ensure projects align with sustainability and...

The latest EY report on the 2024 Global Voluntary Carbon Market outlines critical shifts in carbon credit dynamics, indicating a potential surge in prices and an increasing focus on high-integrity credits. By 2035, prices could reach $75–125 per...

The UN's Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved over $1 billion in funding for 16 new projects targeting environmental resilience in 37 developing nations. This commitment, announced after the GCF board meeting this week, marks a milestone in the...

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, has announced the introduction of a carbon tax set to begin in 2026, aiming to advance the country's decarbonisation goals. The tax, which was revealed alongside the 2025 budget, targets industries such as...

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, has revealed the core agenda for the upcoming COP29 climate summit, set to take place from 11 to 22 November 2024, in Baku. Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Bayramov outlined key...

Sweden and Rwanda have signed a preliminary agreement to collaborate on carbon reduction projects under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This move paves the way for future discussions on specific projects aimed at cutting carbon emissions and...

Verra, a leading carbon standards body, has registered its first biochar carbon removal project in India’s Odisha state. The project, named Project Reignite: Turning Farm Waste into Climate Action, is a pioneering initiative that could remove...

British Airways has committed over £9 million ($12 million) to carbon removal credits as part of its strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This move strengthens the airline’s position as the UK’s largest carbon removal purchaser, marking a...

Amazon, alongside five major companies, has committed to a $180 million deal to purchase carbon credits aimed at preserving the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil's Para state. This landmark agreement represents a significant push in the global effort to...

US-based Vanderstyn Asset Management has launched a $25 million Green Carbon Fund, designed to give individual investors access to the carbon credit market and the opportunity to capitalise on the rising demand and prices of carbon credits....

Credit Agricole, France's second-largest bank with a significant global footprint, is making a strategic shift in its trading operations. The bank will gradually phase out its precious metals trading, particularly gold, to prioritise activities in...

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has committed to purchasing up to 3.9 million carbon credits from BTG Pactual's forestry division by 2038. This move marks Meta’s most significant single-project carbon removal deal to date,...

A recent study reveals that improved forest management (IFM) and conservation efforts in the coastal temperate rainforests of western North America could significantly reduce carbon emissions. The research estimates potential reductions of over 9...

Supercritical, a leading carbon removal marketplace, has partnered with biochar producer Exomad Green to offer corporate buyers exclusive carbon credits. This collaboration will provide access to 100% of Exomad's 2024 biochar credits, which are...

US timberland investment trust Rayonier is broadening its focus on carbon offset projects, evaluating initiatives in both the US and New Zealand. The company, which owns 2.7 million acres of timberland, is involved in improved forest management and...

An ambitious carbon project in Ethiopia has been added to Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard registry. Developed by a Netherlands-based group, the initiative aims to restore 12,000 hectares of native forest in the country’s mountainous regions,...

French energy giant TotalEnergies has committed $100 million to a series of sustainable forestry projects in the United States, aiming to generate carbon credits to meet the company’s emissions goals beyond 2030. Springtime inside Great Smoky...

DGB Group’s Hongera Energy Efficient Cookstoves Project has reached a critical point of recognition, highlighted by recent features on national television. During a memorable event, the project successfully distributed 526 cookstoves to a rural...

Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits to offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from a recent shipment of Arabian light crude oil. This marks the first time...

Australian airline Qantas has partnered with mining heavyweights Rio Tinto and BHP to launch a new fund to develop nature-based carbon projects in Australia. This initiative, the Silva Carbon Origination Fund, is set to raise $165 million to manage...

Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), a subsidiary of Bursa Malaysia Bhd, successfully conducted its inaugural Malaysian carbon credit auction on 25 July. This significant event featured carbon credits from the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project in...

The Institute for Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA) has endorsed the Climate Change Committee's (CCC) latest report, urging the new Government to focus on 10 priorities to achieve the UK's net-zero target. Top view of young tree seedlings...

A global assessment led by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst confirms that nature-based solutions (NBS) offer an economically viable method for mitigating a wide range of climate-related disasters. Published in the journal...

DGB Group's share price has increased 75% year-to-date. On 2 January 2024, DGB’s shares were valued at €0.478. After a steady period, it started increasing on 13 May 2024 and closed at €0.84 on 28 June 2024, showing a 75.73% increase. Graph showing...

Terraformation, the forest restoration firm established by ex-Reddit CEO Yishan Wong, has sold its first Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) through a collaboration with Grosvenor’s UK property division. This milestone comes from Terraformation’s Seed to...

Microsoft has made a landmark move in its environmental strategy by purchasing 8 million carbon offset credits from BTG Pactual’s forestry division. This transaction, hailed as the largest of its kind, aims to significantly contribute to Microsoft's...

France Valley, based in Paris, has announced the establishment of a €200 million ($214 million) fund dedicated to afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation (ARR) projects across Europe. CEO Arnaud Filhol shared this news, highlighting the...

Microsoft has made a significant move to bolster its carbon neutrality efforts by acquiring over 970,000 nature-based carbon removal credits from Anew Climate, LLC. This agreement underscores Microsoft's commitment to combatting environmental...

Engie, a leading power company in Europe, has pre-ordered 5 million tonnes of nature-based carbon removals from climate finance firm Catona Climate. This strategic move aligns with the recent IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change)...

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Nigeria has announced its first-ever investment in Powerstove, a pioneering Nigerian company specialising in eco-friendly cookstoves and carbon credit projects. Picture of a...

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has teamed up with CIFOR-ICRAF and other key partners to launch the Regenerative Agriculture for the Conservation of the Amazon (ARCA) programme. With a substantial investment of $17.8 million,...

Carbon pricing revenues reached a historic $104 billion in 2023, according to a World Bank report. More than half of this revenue was directed towards climate and nature-related programmes. Implemented through carbon taxes and emissions trading...

Social Carbon, an evolving carbon standard, has announced plans to roll out a new 'nature stewardship credit' methodology by the third quarter of this year. The pioneering initiative, set to launch its first pilot in 2025, is developed in...

Aviva has embarked on a transformative partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC), pledging nearly $4 million to enhance conservation and nature-based carbon removal initiatives across Canada. This investment, spread over seven years,...

In a significant boost to the carbon offsetting sector, Treefera has secured $12 million in Series A funding, just seven months after a $2.2 million pre-seed round. The London-based company is at the forefront of utilising AI and data to increase...

Climate Impact X (CIX), headquartered in Singapore, has unveiled a new series of spot contracts designed specifically for nature-based carbon removal credits. This initiative marks a significant development in trading and pricing within the...

Nestlé, a leader in the global food and beverage sector, is taking significant steps towards environmental sustainability with its latest initiatives to reduce carbon emissions within its cocoa supply chain. In a groundbreaking move, the company has...

The UK government has earmarked $31 (£25) million to rejuvenate natural habitats, covering an expanse as vast as the city of York. This financial injection will bolster 20 initiatives dedicated to the revival of various ecosystems, including...

Apple has successfully secured an additional $80 million investment for its Restore Fund, a pivotal move that escalates the fund's total investment to $280 million. This fund is instrumental in financing projects focused on eliminating carbon...

This week marks a significant milestone for Nigeria as Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima is set to initiate the committee for the country’s Carbon Market Activation Plan, a move orchestrated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The plan, endorsed by...

The aviation sector's journey towards sustainability marked a significant milestone at the Airline Economics Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Finance Day, a premier gathering for global aviation professionals. The event, spearheaded by the...

Argus, a leading energy and commodity price reporting agency, has recently launched an innovative series of price assessments for nature-based carbon removals in the global voluntary carbon market (VCM). This move comes at a pivotal time, with the...

African nations could unlock a substantial revenue stream of $82 billion per year through carbon credits, according to insights from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Encouraging African member states at the 2023 COP 28 in Dubai,...

The landscape for nature-based solutions is witnessing a surge in demand and scale, drawing the attention of prominent institutional investment managers, according to a recent academic paper from the University of Oxford's Environmental Change...

In a remarkable feat, South Korea's Ecoeye Co has turned into a significant player in the carbon market by going public. Despite the $2 billion sector facing recent challenges, Ecoeye witnessed an 80% surge, closing at 62,300 won on the Kosdaq...

In the captivating realm of BBC’s Planet Earth III, narrated by the iconic Sir David Attenborough, the spotlight falls on the extraordinary journey of the Bulindi chimpanzees in Uganda. Having premiered on 19 November 2023, this episode explores the...

In a remarkable partnership, J Balvin, the renowned Reggaeton artist, is stepping into the world of Subway Surfers, a popular endless runner mobile game. What makes this collaboration truly special is that it's not just about gaming; it's about...

Companies are undergoing a profound transformation in their approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. This evolution is driven by the growing importance of nature-related factors in response to regulatory changes aimed at...

Investment in carbon credit projects has surged, with over $36 billion invested in the last decade, marking a significant shift towards climate action in the corporate world. This data, unveiled in a study by Trove Research, showcases the transition...

Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has pledged $3 million towards nature-based projects in India as part of its $15 million fund allocated for projects in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. The collaboration with the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS)...

A new report confirms the credibility of the Gold Standard carbon credits. While questions remain around some carbon credits in the market, the Gold Standard's commitment to sustainable development and climate action has been reaffirmed. The...

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Rubicon Carbon, Freepoint Commodities, and Imperative Global, three prominent American companies, have united to propel the development of nature-based carbon offset projects, with a potential investment of $500...

Pakistan has set a new goal for its carbon trading sales, targeting $12 billion in revenue by launching a mangrove plantation project in the Indus Delta of the southern Sindh province. Officials have confirmed $40 million worth of carbon credits...

Plan Vivo plans to introduce a biodiversity credit protocol with scientific credibility, accessible to communities, and scalable globally. Toral Shah, the biodiversity coordinator at Plan Vivo Foundation, shared that the draft protocol has undergone...

The urgent need to reverse the environmental damage caused by decades of human activity has prompted asset manager Fidelity International to call for a significant shift in capital towards biodiversity conservation. Velislava Dimitrova, a...

The Southeast Asian region is grappling with ecological and economic uncertainties caused by disproportionate environmental issues. A new study by the Imperial College Business School reveals that the annual cost of nature restoration in Southeast...

In a significant move towards sustainability, Meta, the tech giant formerly known as Facebook, has entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Aspiration Partners, a global climate finance firm. The deal—a staggering 6.75 million carbon...

The Swedish fintech company Klarna has revealed its latest climate commitment, pledging $2.35 million to support more than 20 carbon removal organisations this year. The funds for this contribution come from Klarna's internal carbon tax income,...

A new report from the World Bank Group shows that carbon markets and pricing have evolved significantly in the past decade, covering a larger share of global emissions. The growth of carbon taxes and emissions trading systems (ETSs) has increased...

Environmental NGO Re:wild has introduced the Kawari Fund, a new initiative to promote the inclusive involvement of Indigenous peoples and local communities in the voluntary carbon market. The fund, unveiled on 28 April at the UN Permanent Forum on...

Road transport significantly contributes to carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 80% of transport-derived emissions. It also poses health risks to people living near roads due to traffic-related air pollution. However, nature-based...

US-based carbon registry Verra released a draft of its consolidated methodology for avoiding unplanned deforestation, an integral part of REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) projects. This move comes weeks after some...

A recent study found that protecting and restoring wildlife populations could play a significant role in enhancing carbon capture and storage. According to the study, conducted by an international group of scientists, rewilding animal populations...

Carbon Neutral Royalty, a Vancouver-based firm that supports carbon credits generating projects in the voluntary carbon market (VCM), raised 25 million Canadian dollars ($18 million) from Beedie Investments, a multi-strategy direct investment...

Investment in nature-based solutions could create up to 20 million new jobs worldwide, particularly in rural areas, according to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the...

According to Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, forests across the United States (US) face unprecedented challenges from wildfires, natural disasters, and insect and disease outbreaks. In response, the US Department of Agriculture announced a $10...

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) approved $587.7 million in new climate finance for developing nations. This funding will support seven new climate projects to promote sustainable agriculture, reduce deforestation emissions, and enhance climate...

The Kennemer Group's cacao-based agroforestry programme has been awarded the first nature-based solutions carbon credits in the Philippines. The programme, which operates on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, was verified and approved under...

Madagascar has a population of over 14,880 plant species. 80% of which are unique to this large island off the coast of Southern Africa. However, Madagascar’s forests will be lost within 40 years if the current deforestation rate continues. In 2021,...

The United Kingdom (UK) government announced a fund of £14 million so that local governments and community organisations can enhance wellbeing by planting trees. After the introduction of two major financial initiatives fostering plant growth,...

Carbon markets are heating up across the United States, with states increasingly seeking to curb their carbon footprint. Washington state is no exception. With new developments in carbon policy, carbon sequestration, and carbon offsetting,...

Rio Tinto, a large mining and metals corporation operating in 35 countries worldwide, is developing eight high-integrity nature-based projects as a part of its decarbonisation strategy. The projects will be developed at an average carbon price of...