Published by AFD, this briefing examines the structural complexity of carbon credits and the institutional factors shaping carbon market integrity. It details technical risks, additionality, permanence, over-crediting, leakage and double counting, and how information asymmetry affects credit quality. The paper reviews ICVCM, VCMI, Article 6 and registry reforms, arguing that alignment with NDCs, legal clarity and transparent infrastructure are essential for a high-integrity VCM.
This UNDP toolkit provides practical guidance for countries establishing high-integrity participation in carbon markets. It covers legal and institutional readiness, safeguards, MRV systems, Article 6 alignment, crediting programme participation and claim governance. It includes tools on stakeholder engagement, transparency, data systems and integrating market approaches into national climate strategies.
IETA’s policy paper sets out key issues for carbon markets at COP30, covering implementation challenges under Articles 6.2 and 6.4, early findings from Technical Expert Reviews, and ongoing debates on permanence, authorisation and MCUs. It reviews CDM transition progress, highlights non-negotiated initiatives such as the TFFF, AAA6 and CGCM Shared Principles, and links market alignment to the Baku-to-Belém climate-finance roadmap and the new NCQG.
Published by IETA and PwC, this sentiment survey examines expectations across ETS, CBAM, CORSIA, Article 6 and the voluntary carbon market. It finds cautious optimism, persistent uncertainty on timelines and governance, and convergence around integrity, transparency and long-term price signals heading toward 2030.
Published by Patch, this practical guide helps companies procure high-integrity carbon credits. It outlines buying pathways, contract types, and risk factors, with RFP and due-diligence tools to ensure integrity and value. Case studies from Bain, Nokia, DocuSign, and Etsy show how to structure timelines, manage pricing, and align purchases with credible claims.
AlliedOffsets introduces a forecasting model for the VCM, simulating credit demand under various market conditions through 2030. Scenarios reflect divergent buyer behavior, regulatory signals, and investor sentiment. The baseline scenario projects steady growth in retirements, while an optimistic scenario sees near 1 GtCO₂e retired annually by 2030. It identifies market levers (e.g. Scope 3 frameworks, policy alignment, pricing clarity) that could influence uptake. The model helps guide strategy for developers, buyers, and intermediaries navigating future carbon market dynamics.
Published by S&P Global, this whitepaper shows how registries are the backbone of credible carbon markets. It details policy options for countries to design fit-for-purpose systems, linking domestic registries with Article 6 mechanisms and voluntary standards. Key principles include interoperability, governance, and data security to enhance trust and access to finance for climate action. Case examples illustrate how registry architecture enables transparency and alignment with national goals.
In this practical guide, VCMI outlines how countries can build the enabling environments needed to access carbon markets credibly and effectively. The toolkit includes an Access Framework with indicators across governance, safeguards, finance, data, and policy. It helps users identify capacity gaps, prioritize investments, and coordinate across ministries. Developed with a focus on equity and climate ambition, the toolkit is designed to support implementation of Article 6 and the transition toward high-integrity, country-driven carbon market participation.
In this brief, the European Forest Institute outlines key risks facing biodiversity credit market, such as weak baselines, permanence gaps, and vague metrics. It proposes science-based safeguards, governance standards, and policy roles to ensure integrity and avoid repeating carbon market failures.
This Ramboll report draws on deep interviews with over 30 companies to understand the barriers to effective Scope 3 emissions reduction. It identifies persistent implementation challenges, from poor data visibility and supplier coordination to weak financing and reporting standards. Many companies struggle to move beyond targets to real reductions, especially in complex, global value chains. The report offers priority actions for business and policymakers, including clearer accounting rules, capacity support, financing instruments, and cross-sectoral collaboration to close the action gap on Scope 3.