Sustainability and carbon market news

The European Commission has adopted the first certification methodologies under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, establishing what it describes as the world’s first voluntary standard dedicated to permanent carbon removals....

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...

As 2025 draws to a close, the voluntary carbon market is entering a more defined and deliberate phase of development. After years of rapid expansion, the market has become more discerning, placing greater value on credibility, long-term impact, and...

New York Climate Week 2025 delivered an unexpectedly structured and cautiously optimistic picture of environmental action, drawing roughly 100,000 attendees across some 1,000 events. Rather than a reprise of hand-wringing, discussions reflected an...

The global carbon market saw a record number of forward-delivered contracts in the third quarter of 2025, marking a rebound in activity and investor confidence. Data shows 65 forward offtake deals were publicly announced during Q3, up from 48 in Q2,...

Cuba has taken a significant step in its environmental policy by introducing a legal framework to regulate both voluntary and compliance carbon markets. The new measures are designed to position the country as an active participant in the Paris...

South Korea is moving forward with plans to establish a voluntary carbon market exchange, with the launch targeted for later this year. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is designed to boost demand for carbon credits...

The carbon offset market is entering a new chapter, marked by higher quality, greater transparency, and stronger alignment with corporate net-zero ambitions. While demand slowed after 2021 due to questions over the credibility of some projects, the...

A new market analysis from UK-based nature restoration investor Oxygen Conservation forecasts a sharp rise in the value of premium UK carbon credits, with prices potentially reaching $672 (£500) per tonne by 2050. Kielder Forest, the UK’s largest...

The cost of carbon credits under the UN's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) could spike to as much as $60 per tonne of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) during the current compliance phase, according to new analysis by...

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has issued a fresh set of guidelines to support companies revisiting their science-based emissions targets, a key requirement under the initiative’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard (CNZS). The move comes as...

The European Commission (EC) has unveiled a new environmental proposal that could significantly reshape the voluntary carbon market landscape. If adopted, the European Union could become the world’s largest buyer of UN-recognised carbon credits,...

A new report by SCB Group reveals that the voluntary carbon market (VCM) is entering a period of renewed activity, spurred by regulatory momentum and shifting demand patterns. Covering the second quarter of 2025, the report highlights a notable 28%...

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...

Carbon credit retirements soared to a record-breaking 95 million in the first half of 2025, marking a pivotal moment in the voluntary carbon market’s evolution. The surge underscores growing demand for high-quality offsets and increasing alignment...

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...

Argentina has officially opened the doors to its first carbon credit exchange, marking a significant move in the Latin American carbon market. The Bolsa Argentina de Carbono (BACX) began operations nearly 18 months after its initial announcement at...

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...

As the voluntary carbon market (VCM) shifts its focus to integrity and quality, a new analysis from carbon procurement platform Abatable finds that clean cookstove projects require enhanced budgets due to increased development costs, so buyers must...

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...

The Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) has introduced a new Code of Practice aimed at helping companies confront one of the most complex challenges in environmental reporting: reducing Scope 3 emissions across their value chains....

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) experienced an unprecedented surge in 2024, with $16.3 billion invested across the sector, according to Abatable’s latest report. This marked an 18-fold increase in the total value of carbon credit retirements,...

A coalition of major corporations, including Amazon, ExxonMobil, and Microsoft, has launched a new initiative to address concerns over the credibility of the voluntary carbon market (VCM). The move comes as the sector faces increasing scrutiny over...

The World Carbon Fund (WCF) achieved a positive return of +6.22% in 2024, outperforming compliance carbon markets for the fifth consecutive year, according to an investment update released Friday. Ground-level view of a wooded field with lush green...

Germany achieved a landmark $19 billion (€18.5 billion) in carbon trading revenue in 2024, marking a $103 million increase from the previous year, according to the German Emissions Trading Authority (DEHSt). An electric car driving along a country...

The global carbon credit market, which rose up to $1.4 billion in 2024, is predicted to experience substantial growth in the coming years. Recent projections suggest its value could rise to between $7 and $35 billion by 2030 and potentially reach...

Carbon Standards International (CSI), a Swiss-based registry, has introduced an updated version of its Global Biochar Carbon Sink (C-Sink) standard, version 3.1. This revision now includes the certification of carbon removal credits for biochar used...

Isometric has announced partnerships with seven digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) providers to transform how carbon removal projects achieve certification. The collaboration aims to streamline data submission, reduce costs, and...

November saw a 10-month high in voluntary carbon credit retirements, with 15.8 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) retired—a 7% increase compared to November 2023, according to a recent analysis of major carbon credit registries. This growth...

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...

A new UN-sanctioned carbon credit system, the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), could expand the global carbon credit market to eight times its current size, potentially generating $12 billion in value annually by 2030, according to Guy...

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 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has granted eligibility to four additional carbon standards for its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The newly approved programmes—Gold Standard, Verra,...

A Portuguese government agency, Adene, has launched an online portal for the country’s forthcoming domestic voluntary carbon market (VCM). The platform enables project developers to submit proposals aimed at reducing or removing carbon dioxide...

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) may soon open the door for companies to use carbon credits to meet their voluntary climate goals, according to Guy Turner, head of ESG ratings at MSCI. Speaking at Climate Week NYC 2024, Turner hinted that...

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....

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 World Bank's 2024 State and Trends of Carbon Pricing: International Carbon Markets report highlights exciting progress in the global carbon market, showing increasing momentum for environmental action through carbon pricing mechanisms. While...

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 global voluntary carbon credit market is on a steep growth trajectory, with projections indicating it could reach a staggering $14.56 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to be propelled by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.3% from...

Verra, a leading nonprofit in the voluntary carbon market, has unveiled its latest initiative, the ABACUS label. This new certification sets a higher standard for carbon credits derived from ecosystem restoration and reforestation projects. Close-up...

The global market for carbon removal credits is poised to reach $100 billion annually between 2030 and 2035, a significant leap from $2.7 billion last year, as per Oliver Wyman's latest analysis. The consultancy notes rising interest from corporate...

Efforts are currently underway to create the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) first global standard for achieving net zero. This new standard aims to clarify the path to net zero, establish stringent requirements, and...

A recent report by BeZero Carbon reveals that a $100 billion carbon market could catalyse $700 billion in annual investments in carbon projects, protecting 150 million hectares of land, equivalent to the size of Peru. Landscape view of young trees...

The Japanese government has purchased 4 million carbon credits in the year ending 31 March, according to a trade ministry official. These UN-backed Assigned Amount Units (AAUs) were acquired from Poland, marking a significant move in Japan's carbon...

Six environmental NGOs have expressed support for the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in its plans to allow greater use of carbon offsetting, provided stringent conditions are met to ensure the efficacy of these credits. Top view of six tree...

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...

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 Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has greenlit seven carbon crediting methodologies, amounting to 27 million carbon credits. This decision marks a significant step in ensuring the quality and integrity of carbon credits....

The Biden-Harris administration has announced new principles for voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), underscoring its commitment to ambitious climate action. These guidelines aim to enhance the integrity and effectiveness of VCMs, ensuring they...

Verra, a notable US-based nonprofit and voluntary carbon market (VCM) registry, has recently introduced version 4.7 of its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) programme, enhancing the existing framework to improve the credibility and effectiveness of...

In a recent update, US carbon standard Verra outlined potential strategies to enhance its role in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) aviation decarbonisation scheme. During a presentation, Verra discussed...

The International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) has recently unveiled comprehensive new guidelines aimed at assisting businesses in leveraging carbon credits to achieve the Paris Agreement’s climate objectives. Revealed during IETA’s annual...

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), an entity established in 2021 by a consortium of international financiers, has recently approved three prominent certifiers in the voluntary carbon market: the Gold Standard, ACR...

Toucan is set to unveil CHAR, the world’s first 'liquid' marketplace for biochar carbon credits, marking a significant milestone in carbon trading and environmental finance. This launch comes as a response to the increasing demand from both carbon...

In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, the voluntary (verified) carbon market (VCM) is demonstrating robust growth, defying the broader economic slowdown. This burgeoning sector is moving beyond merely reducing emissions, marking...

The Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI) has declared Bain & Company as the pioneering organisation to secure a Carbon Integrity Platinum Claim, the most prestigious level of carbon integrity recognition. This distinction highlights...

A collaborative report, titled Are carbon credits the next billion-dollar insurance market?, from Oxbow Partners and Kita anticipates significant growth in the carbon credit insurance market, estimating insurance premiums to reach approximately $1...

Africa is stepping up its game in the global environmental carbon arena with the launch of the African Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI). This groundbreaking project aims to unlock the continent's vast potential for carbon credits, paving the way for...

China has rejuvenated its voluntary carbon offset market, a scheme that was initially suspended in 2017. This relaunch marks a major step in China's environmental strategy, aiming to finance projects that are both eco-friendly and economically...

In landmark initiatives at COP28 in Dubai, major banks, including Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and Barclays, have been spearheading a surge in carbon offset deals, reflecting a market positioned to hit $1 trillion. Such initiatives aim...

In the dynamic landscape of voluntary carbon markets (VCM), a recent report indicates a significant shift towards high-integrity credits, emphasising benefits beyond carbon mitigation. Close up on a young tree seedlings, Hongera Reforestation...

The world's foremost independent carbon crediting standards, namely the American Carbon Registry, Architecture for REDD+ Transactions, Climate Action Reserve, Global Carbon Council, Gold Standard, and Verra/VCS, have joined forces to elevate the...

In a groundbreaking move, the World Bank has laid out an ambitious plan to bolster high-integrity global carbon markets, presenting a unique opportunity for 15 nations to derive income by trading carbon credits sourced from their forest preservation...

In a pivotal move, China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) has issued comprehensive guidelines, marking the renaissance of the domestic voluntary carbon market (VCM). The focal point of this resurgence is the revival of the China Certified...

A cohort of leading corporations have signed up for the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative’s (VCMI) programme. Their objective: to leverage the VCMI’s Claims Code of Practice to affirm the integrity and effective application of...

In a bid to expedite decarbonisation in the private sector, the Tokyo Stock Exchange Inc (TSE) unveiled a new platform for trading carbon credits. This innovative exchange enables companies to purchase and sell J-Credits, which are...

Philip Lee LLP, the law firm representing DGB Group, has secured the prestigious title of Best Law Firm 2023 in the voluntary carbon market, according to a recent announcement by the renowned international publication Environmental Finance. As...

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...

The once-nascent voluntary carbon market is positioned for an astonishing transformation, projected to surge to $1.5 trillion by 2050, according to a recent analysis by Barclays. Riding the wave of escalating corporate pressure to tackle carbon...

In a groundbreaking move, Puro.earth, the leading platform for engineered carbon dioxide removals (CDR), has teamed up with Xpansiv, a global market infrastructure for data-driven environmental commodities. This collaboration marks a significant...

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has unveiled its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) and Program-level Assessment Framework to set stringent standards for high-integrity carbon credits. Developed with input from various...

The Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI) has unveiled its Claims Code of Practice, offering companies a comprehensive rulebook for making credible climate claims whilst using carbon credits in their journey towards achieving net-zero...

In a recent interview, VCMI’s Executive Director, Mark Kenber, shared key insights on voluntary carbon markets, the Global Stocktake, and the importance of integrity at COP28. Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is a...

Companies that purchase carbon credits are making greater strides in reducing their actual emissions compared to those that do not, according to a report released by rating agency Sylvera on Wednesday. The study analysed approximately 50 major...

Carbon credits have been a lot in the news lately, and for a good reason. In 2022, the global carbon credit market’s traded value was worth a whopping $978.56 billion, and it's expected to grow to $2.68 trillion by 2028, as shown by a new study. The...

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...

Xpansiv recently released its annual carbon market review for 2022. The report highlights key trends and insights in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) in 2022. Despite the challenges faced by the VCM, it continued to grow, with a focus on quality...

The Biodiversity Credit Alliance (BCA) has significant potential to perform a crucial role to the cross-stakeholder Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM). According to speakers at the Corporate Investments in Forestry and...

The voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), which have gained momentum in recent years as corporations seek to reduce their carbon footprint, are set to become at least five times bigger by 2030. This is according to a report by energy giant Shell and the...