Based on a survey of 225 large global companies, this report examines current and future participation in voluntary carbon markets. It provides insights into expected demand, purchasing motivations, perceived risks and how companies are approaching credit quality and portfolio strategies.
Wood Mackenzie examines five trends likely to influence carbon markets in 2026, from the rollout of new compliance regimes and the start of CBAM financial obligations to slower progress under Article 6. It assesses how changes to corporate claims, reporting and net-zero guidance could affect voluntary carbon market demand, and how integrity tools such as quality labels, ratings and advance purchase agreements may support VCM project finance.
The Nature Conservancy’s explainer clarifies how Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is being operationalised, outlining rules on authorisation, corresponding adjustments and credit transfers, and why these decisions matter for integrity and confidence in voluntary carbon markets.
Published by Margaret Morales, this benchmark report analyses how nature-based carbon projects are financed, including primary funding sources, barriers to accessing capital, and the role of offtake agreements in unlocking lower-cost project finance in voluntary carbon markets.
Published by SE Advisory Services, this report analyses corporate demand for carbon credits, showing how buyers are prioritising high-integrity standards, nature-based credits and portfolio diversification, and identifying barriers and incentives shaping near-term growth in voluntary carbon markets.
Published by Fair Carbon, this policy brief assesses blue carbon readiness across regions, identifying policy, institutional and financing conditions needed to scale high-integrity mangrove and coastal wetland credits, strengthen safeguards, and mobilise investment aligned with national climate and development goals.
ICVCM’s report assesses progress in implementing the Core Carbon Principles, showing how CCP-approved programs and methodologies are strengthening market integrity, restoring buyer confidence, and supporting alignment between voluntary markets, national policies and Article 6.
IETA’s report provides a detailed overview of compliance and voluntary carbon markets in 2025. It reviews Article 6 readiness, ETS growth, CORSIA’s first operational phase, evolving VCM demand signals and the rise of high-integrity credits. The report analyses governance gaps, data and registry interoperability, legal clarity and digital MRV as critical enablers of scale. It highlights how emerging policy frameworks and corporate demand are driving a new phase of integration across global carbon markets.
Published by Nature4Climate and Arboretica, this fifth edition uses AI-assisted analysis to assess more than 1,500 NbS-related policies across 190 countries that help shape enabling conditions for high-integrity nature-based credits. It reviews legal frameworks, financing, safeguards, MRV systems, adaptation integration and IPLC recognition, identifying gaps that affect credit quality, risk, permanence and project legitimacy. The report underscores the need for stronger national policy environments to support credible, durable NbS project development across both VCM and Article 6 pathways.
ClimateWorks Foundation report analyses philanthropic funding for climate adaptation and resilience across 40 foundations, showing a 120% increase since 2021. It highlights sector and regional trends, funding gaps and the importance of locally led adaptation and collaborative learning.