Forests and International Carbon Markets Primer

Climate and Forests 2030 released this paper in August 2021. It summarises the critical role tropical forests play in stabilising the climate and explains how these ecosystems do not receive the level of funding that would be required to guarantee their protection. NOTE: It also addressed some of the concerns raised around the environmental and social integrity of forest carbon markets and considered how those risks could be addressed as the market enters its second phase of high integrity and quality.

Nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation

Are you wondering how much natural climate solutions can contribute to global climate mitigation? This report from IUCN answers this question and highlights different studies considering this potential. Published in July 2021, it also addresses the possibilities of Blue Carbon projects and provides a comprehensive explainer of nature-based solutions, making it a useful resource for those new to this space.

Natural Climate Solutions for Corporates

Published by NCS Alliance in July 2021, this report is valuable for businesses looking to invest in high-quality natural climate solution credits. It sets guiding principles for developing credible corporate climate strategies. It offers guidance on what constitutes quality NCS credits and discusses international market mechanisms.

The Role of Natural Climate Solutions in Corporate Climate Commitments: A Brief for Investors

This briefing paper from Ceres is aimed at investors to help them work better with companies. Published in May 2021, it recommends investors ask companies to disclose the percentage of their emission reduction target that will be met via the purchase of carbon credits and whether the carbon credits they buy/intend to buy are certified under any environmental or social impact standard.

Nature and Net Zero

Published by The World Economic Forum (WEF) & McKinsey, this report is relevant to corporates looking to invest in natural climate solutions. It shares five actions business stakeholders can take to help scale these climate mitigation solutions. It encourages corporate sustainability leaders to define net zero and corporate claims; highlight good practices; send clear demand signals and help create regulatory clarity.

Nature-Based Solutions as Offsets in Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Strategies

As a corporate, signalling demand for natural climate solutions is one of the most positive actions you can take. Only with clear demand, can these solutions scale. Published in February 2021, this briefing paper from The World Resources Institute shares the opportunities and risks NCS present for businesses. It explains how corporates should focus on the social integrity of their carbon credit purchases, as well as their climate mitigation potential.

A Blueprint for corporate action on climate and nature

In December 2020, the World Wildlife Fund published a blueprint for corporate climate action. It encourages business leaders to account for and disclose emissions; reduce value chain emissions; quantify a financial commitment by pricing remaining emissions and invest in positive impacts for climate and nature. It also discusses how this approach can support both business goals and biodiversity.

The Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting

The University of Oxford provides corporates with four key elements to credible net zero offsetting in its September 2020 Principles document. It is essential to cut your company’s emissions before purchasing carbon credits and strategically use a combination of reduction and removal credits to meet climate targets. The report speaks critically of nature-based carbon credits, suggesting that improvements could be made to these project types.

Global Standard for NbS

This is the first-ever Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions. Published by the IUCN in July 2020, it is extremely relevant for the supply side of the voluntary carbon market. It helps guide the design, implementation and verification of nature-based projects. Using eight assessment criteria, the Global Standard invites users to complete a self-assessment.

Corporate Minds on Climate Action

Discover the dominant corporate perspectives on climate action and carbon credits with this report from WMB and Conservation International. Published in January 2023, it found the vast majority of business leaders (92%) see long-term decarbonization as a priority and say the responsible use of carbon credits is important to reducing emissions (89%).