The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM)

🌍 Join the Integrity Council – We’re Hiring! Are you passionate about ensuring integrity and impact in the voluntary carbon market? The Integrity Council is growing, and we have two exciting career opportunities available! 🌱 🔍 Associate Director, Assurance In this key leadership role, you’ll drive the assurance processes that underpin the credibility of carbon credits in the voluntary carbon market. We’re seeking someone with extensive experience in assurance, auditing, or compliance, with a passion for improving transparency and trust in the carbon market. 🔍 Carbon Technical Analyst Help shape the future of carbon markets by supporting the technical development of carbon credit quality assessments. We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of carbon methodologies and a commitment to high-integrity solutions in climate action. If you have a background in carbon markets, environmental science, or a related field, we want to hear from you! Interested in helping us build a robust, high-integrity voluntary carbon market? 💡 ⏳Deadline to apply – 7 Oct, 2024 🌐 Check out these opportunities and apply now - https://lnkd.in/ew9TSbFA

🌍 📢 Day 4 Highlights from #NYClimateWeek 2024: Yesterday, our Chair, Annette Nazareth, spoke at the IETA session, "Towards a Just Transition: The Integrity Dialogue in Voluntary Carbon Markets." She emphasised the critical role of integrity in voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), and highlighted the recent CFTC alignment with the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). Annette underscored the importance of working with regulators to ensure VCMs support a just transition and the potential for convergence between compliance and voluntary markets. 🗨️ Annette Nazareth: "We need greater convergence around a credible approach that reflects meaningful corporate actions to reduce emissions and complement them with carbon credits." Elsewhere this week, at the Sustainable Investment Dialogue, Sonja Gibbs, CFA discussed how fixed-income and private debt markets can drive transition financing. As one of the largest sources of global finance, these markets are crucial in achieving net zero goals. The panel explored challenges in integrating sustainability into private debt portfolios and the opportunities to align investments with the Paris Agreement. 🗨️ Sonja Gibbs: "Building high-integrity carbon markets helps developing economies diversify their revenue base while protecting natural capital and biodiversity." At the CDR Summit, hosted by Puro.earth, Alexia Kelly and Deborah Lawrence joined key discussions on advancing carbon removal methodologies, a vital component of global mitigation strategies. The Policy & Integrity Market Panel stressed the urgency of scaling carbon markets: "The ICVCM is helping to build next-gen markets that address all mitigation opportunities, driving investment into both reductions and removals." Earlier this week, Kavita Prakash-Mani engaged in a session on new forest carbon standards and monitoring technologies, highlighting the role of AI and Earth Observation technologies in improving the quality of forest carbon project data. These innovations are unlocking investment at scale for forest conservation and restoration. 🌱 These discussions underscore the essential role of high-integrity standards in scaling carbon markets, driving finance to nature-based solutions, and accelerating technological innovation. We're proud to contribute to building a sustainable, resilient future through our work at ICVCM. #CarbonMarkets #JustTransition #SustainableFinance #CarbonRemoval

After yesterday's engaging session, 'Gender Equity in Carbon Markets' during #VCMDay at #ClimateWeekNYC 2024, The Integrity Council has released the following statement: “The Integrity Council knows that gender equality plays a crucial role in the voluntary carbon market. Research has shown that women are disproportionately affected by climate change. It has also demonstrated that climate outcomes improve when gender considerations are integrated into decision-making and project design. This leads to a more efficient use of climate finance, with increases in both productivity and impact when women are included. Our commitment at the Integrity Council is to ensure the ongoing integration and enhancement of gender-equitable and responsive practices in the VCM. We will continue working with gender experts to ensure that the VCM both safeguards and empowers gender-based action. Additionally, we are dedicated to supporting initiatives in the market working toward systemic change that are led by inspiring women and professionals. In line with our vision, build integrity and scale will follow.” #CarbonMarkets #GenderEquity

Following yesterday's news regarding Rachel Kyte's appointment as Climate Envoy for the UK, Integrity Council Chair Annette Nazareth has said: "We would like to extend our warmest congratulations to our friend and colleague Rachel Kyte for her appointment as Climate Envoy for the UK. Rachel is a powerful thought leader on climate action with a deep understanding of what it will take to energise finance flows from the private sector into driving greater progress. We look forward to continued collaboration in our shared work to accelerate climate action through a high-integrity voluntary carbon market."

🌍 Day 4 at #NYCW2024: Exploring Integrity and Regulation in Carbon Markets On our final day of engagement at #NYClimateWeek, the Integrity Council is focused on ensuring a just transition, enhancing market regulation, and shaping the future of voluntary carbon markets. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find us: 🌱Annette Nazareth on a Just Transition and Integrity in VCMs Our Board Chair, Annette Nazareth, will join a plenary session organised by IETA titled: “Towards a Just Transition: The Integrity Dialogue in Voluntary Carbon Markets.” This important discussion will delve into how voluntary carbon markets can ensure social and environmental justice while maintaining integrity. 📍 Location: Sheraton Times Square 📝 More info: https://lnkd.in/evJ4A9aZ 🔍 Amy Merrill on Regulatory Oversight for Carbon Markets Amy Merrill, our CEO, will participate in a crucial panel discussion on “Achieving Appropriate Regulatory Oversight for a Robust Carbon Market”. Moderated by Dirk Forrister, CEO, IETA, the panel will feature speakers including Frederick Teo, CEO, GenZero, David Antonioli, Founder, Transition Finance, and Benedict Chia, Director General (Climate Change), National Climate Change Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office, Singapore. Amy will explore the rising importance of regulatory frameworks in voluntary carbon markets. With governments and industries working together to address market challenges, regulatory oversight is critical for ensuring robust climate action. The discussion will also focus on the opportunities for Asia in accelerating investment and closing the climate investment gap. 📍 Location: Sheraton Times Square 📝 More info: https://lnkd.in/evJ4A9aZ 📊 Amy Merrill on Evolving Standards in the VCM Later in the day, Amy will also attend a panel hosted by Sylvera titled: “A Less Voluntary Carbon Market: How Convergence and New Standards Are Compelling Action – and Creating Certainty.” As net zero targets approach, governments and industries are aligning to ensure participation in the carbon market is both efficient and impactful. This session will focus on how the convergence of regulatory frameworks and industry self-regulation is shaping the future of carbon markets, driving both compliance and innovation. 📝 More info: https://lnkd.in/dpHhywdr The Integrity Council is committed to ensuring that voluntary carbon markets operate with high integrity and regulatory oversight, delivering real climate impact. Stay connected for the latest updates from #NYClimateWeek as we wrap up a week of critical conversations. 🌍🌱

🌍 Event Recap: Unlocking Climate Solutions through High-Integrity Carbon Markets at #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 Yesterday’s #VCMDay brought together thought leaders, corporate executives & representatives of Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities to discuss how a high-integrity VCM can drive meaningful #ClimateAction. Indigenous Stewardship - A Path to Global Solutions: A standout session highlighted the critical role Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities play in managing one-third of the world's carbon stocks. Francisco Souza underscored the scale of the opportunity: “We’re talking about 5% of the population managing 50% of the world’s intact forests.” The panel stressed that ensuring Indigenous rights & access to inclusive finance models is essential for sustainable carbon projects. Kavita Prakash-Mani added: “The ‘VCM’ can’t just be about carbon; it must support Indigenous rights & traditions. We need to engage with Indigenous Peoples in a way that respects their knowledge, culture & governance over their lands.” Gender Equity in Carbon Markets: The session on gender explored the pivotal role women play in managing natural resources & their exclusion from decision-making processes. Jeannette Gurung stated: "Women are not just vulnerable victims; they are agents of change." The discussion called for gender-inclusive financial models to ensure women receive direct carbon finance benefits, improving the resilience of projects. Hon. Stella Napanu (Engagement Forum Member – Africa Regional Seat) reinforced this, saying: "We need to put money in the hands of women who make decisions, not just treat them as beneficiaries. Empowering women through carbon finance is key to long-term success." Corporate Leadership & Market-Based Solutions: Keynote speakers from leading corporations discussed how corporate climate action is essential to bridge the finance gap for under-funded climate priorities. Kerry Constabile  (Amazon) emphasised, "Decarbonisation, nature & removals - all three are needed. Nature is our greatest natural defence against climate change." Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions: Experts from the investment world examined how to navigate risks - commercial, reputational & operational - when investing in nature-based projects. Natalia Dorfman shared insights on how insurance products can mitigate these risks, allowing investors to make confident, strategic decisions. Leveraging Synergies Between VCMs & Article 6: The future of carbon markets requires synergy between the VCM & Article 6 to unlock the full potential of finance & global collaboration. Some countries are making strides in creating harmonised frameworks, essential for scaling high-integrity carbon markets globally. Final Call to Action: The closing plenary delivered a powerful message - scaling high-integrity carbon markets is not just about carbon - it’s about accelerating climate action & ensuring social equity. #CarbonMarkets #IndigenousRights #GenderEquity

As key stewards of vital ecosystems, the involvement of Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities is not just beneficial - it's essential to protecting nature and reaching global climate goals. The newly established VCM Engagement Forum ensures the voices of Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities are heard, and rights safeguarded, as we work towards a high-integrity VCM. Read more from Onel Masardule in this latest blog post, following his important keynote speech during today's #VCMDay at #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 🔗 Read here: https://lnkd.in/gJzd-cC5

🌍 Key Highlights from #VCMDay at #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 🚀 This morning leaders discussed scaling the #VoluntaryCarbonMarket with integrity, delivering real climate action, with Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities at its heart as key partners. 🔑 Opening Plenary Annette Nazareth (Chair, ICVCM) emphasised that integrity is the foundation of the VCM, ensuring credits represent real, measurable emission reductions with social & environmental benefits & an integral role for Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities. She announced a partnership with the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) to scale high-integrity markets in Africa. Chris Canavan (CEO, Global Carbon Market Utility) called for a $50 billion VCM built on strong infrastructure that ensures transparency & trust. Usha Rao-Monari (Co-Chair, VCMI) urged for urgent reform & clear pathways to ensure the VCM delivers impact & finance to meet climate targets. 💬 Leaders Panel Minister Samuel A Jinapor reiterated Ghana’s commitment to high-integrity carbon markets, urging governments to capitalise on this opportunity to bridge the climate finance gap. Axel van Trotsenburg stressed the need for stronger regulations & standards to unlock the full potential of carbon markets. H.E. Ivan Duque Marquez emphasised that carbon markets are crucial for the Global South to meet their climate commitments. Kerry McCarthy called for transparent markets to channel finance to climate projects in developing countries. 🌿Keynote by Onel Masardule Onel, Interim Chair of the new, self-led VCM Engagement Forum, highlighted that Indigenous Peoples manage 40% of intact landscapes, their rights and traditions must be respected and they must be key partners in shaping the VCM. 🔥Fireside Chat Tariye Gbadegesin spoke on restoring market confidence, highlighting innovative forestry, nature & energy projects. "Carbon markets are back, big time." 📈 Open Plenary Bill Winters called for scaling the VCM, urging the private sector to lead, as governments act too slowly. Tom Reichert discussed the importance of high-integrity credits to help businesses close emission gaps. Sam Israelit reinforced Bain’s commitment to minimising emissions & using high-integrity offsets. 💡 Open Plenary Inger Andersen stressed the urgency of climate action, saying high-integrity carbon markets are essential to meeting global targets. Wally Adeyemo spoke on attracting private capital to carbon markets, especially for investment in the Global South. Mark Carney praised ICVCM’s work on supply integrity, emphasising that carbon markets can support climate action if they are built on robust standards. 🚀 A Call to Action The message was clear: integrity & scale are essential for the success of voluntary carbon markets, with Indigenous Peoples and/or local communities playing a central role. Together, we can harness the VCM for real climate action & scale private finance for the Global South.

🚀 Integrity Council at #ClimateWeekNYC 2024 : VCM Day and key discussions 🌍 Today at #NYClimateWeek is all about accelerating climate action and addressing the future of carbon markets! We’re proud to partner with VCMI and Global Carbon Market Utility for our #VoluntaryCarbonMarkets Day, where leaders in the carbon ecosystem will come together to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in voluntary carbon markets. 📈 🔍Here’s what’s happening today: With a number of engaging and impactful events on the agenda, we will dive into the key challenges the market is facing and the steps needed to ensure it delivers robust and genuine climate action. Although registration is now closed, the panels will cover vital topics such as improving transparency, ensuring integrity, and driving cross-market collaboration. 💡 Stay tuned for updates throughout the day as our experts engage in these critical conversations. 🔗 Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e3_4N8qU  🤝Cross market collaboration to deliver climate action: Farrukh Khan will be sharing his insights on the panel: “Cross-Market Collaboration: Demonstrating the Value of the Voluntary Carbon Market in Delivering Lasting Climate Action.” With the VCM at a pivotal moment, this session will focus on how collaboration can strengthen the market, address challenges like double-claiming, and produce innovative solutions to build trust. ✅   Joined by Mandy Rambharos, CEO, Verra, Sarah Leugers, Chief Growth Officer, Gold Standard, and Yuhau Lin, VP, Morgan Stanley, Farrukh will be sharing insights on the work of Integrity Council to ensure high-integrity standards and how the market can play a vital role in achieving global net-zero goals. 🌐 Moderated by S&P Global, this panel promises to deliver essential takeaways on how the VCM can rise to meet today’s climate challenges.    📍 Location: Sheraton Times Square  📝 More info: https://lnkd.in/evJ4A9aZ

🌱 Scaling the #VoluntaryCarbonMarket: Why Integrity is Key 🔑 In a new Op-Ed for TIME, our CEO Amy Merrill, along with Mark Kenber, Executive Director, VCMI and Chris Canavan, CEO, Global Carbon Market Utility, outlines the urgent steps needed to scale the #VoluntaryCarbonMarket (VCM) in a way that delivers real, lasting climate action. The VCM stands at a critical juncture. To achieve the scale necessary to address the climate crisis, we need a market that’s not only larger but also credible. The Op-Ed highlights several key areas of transformation: ➡️ Core Carbon Principles (CCPs): The Integrity Council’s science-based quality standard ensures each carbon credit meets strict criteria for emissions reduction or removal, as well as contributing to sustainable development and biodiversity. The first CCP-labelled credits are now reaching the market, providing companies with confidence in their climate investments. ➡️ VCMI’s Claims Code: A vital tool that helps businesses navigate the use of carbon credits in a responsible way, the Claims Code of Practice aims to ensure that corporates meet high integrity standards and continue to prioritise internal decarbonisation. ➡️ GCMU’s Market Infrastructure: By standardising pricing, improving transparency, and digitising the market, GCMU is laying the groundwork for a more efficient, accountable, and scalable market that can attract significant financial investment. The authors stress that collective action is needed from both the public and private sectors to ensure the #VCM reaches its full potential. 📈 Governments are recognising the importance of voluntary carbon markets, but we need more alignment, including adopting the CCPs as a standard for quality. At the same time, the private sector must step up investment to build confidence in the market, driving the financing necessary for meaningful climate action. 🌐 This Op-Ed serves as a call to action for all stakeholders: We have the tools. Now we must act—together. 🤝 🔗 Read the full article in the Time magazine - https://lnkd.in/dgEj-Rpt