A Healthier Earth’s Post

So long as we couple carbon to cash or single metric capital we will continue to cause collusion to profit motives. So long as finance and economists are the fox in the hen house we can expect feathers and our futures to fly away. We have choices here, To bring transparency to; Life cycle factors that: Finance motives might fear. Our mortal choices drive demand for market motives meeting limits to growth. Carbon counting to counter current claims of COP compliance. #yeswecan

Over the past few years, my views on the carbon market have evolved significantly. Initially, I saw it as a scam, a superficial solution that lacked genuine impact. However, as I delved deeper, I began to recognize its potential as a highly leveraged incentive mechanism, capable of driving meaningful change. Yet, my optimism waned when Europe started importing wood chips from the US to burn for energy and labeled it "green energy." This seemed to undermine the market's credibility. Despite these challenges, it's clear that the carbon market is here to stay and will continue to grow. Mark Carney 's recent remarks underscore a critical point: the necessity of a "high-integrity carbon market." For the carbon market to truly contribute to achieving the Paris Agreement goals, it must be built on robust, transparent, and credible foundations. We must ensure that the principles guiding these markets are stringent and that they genuinely drive the transition to a sustainable future. The #Carbonmarket will grow... but only if it upholds the highest standards of integrity. #Carbon #ClimateFinance #ParisAgreement

One of the most innovative projects that Office of Public Lands at Michigan Department of Natural Resources has championed is selling carbon credits on State Forest land. This guidance by the Biden administration should give buyers the confidence they need that these credits are real and make a difference. #naturalclimatesolutions

📢 Seven new principles for voluntary #carbonmarkets. The White House issues 7 new ‘principles’ to restore integrity to carbon markets. These principles, signed by top federal climate advisers and cabinet secretaries, aim to drive progress towards U.S. climate goals. Carbon markets allow corporations to purchase credits that fund projects reducing or removing greenhouse gases. These credits can then be counted towards their own CO2 reduction goals. As of 2023, the market was valued at nearly $2 billion. The seven new principles emphasize the need for credible standards in carbon credits and call for activity funded by these credits to avoid environmental and social harm. Additionally, companies are urged to focus on CO2 reductions within their own value chains and publicly report purchased and retired credits. Furthermore, the principles highlight the importance of accurate reflection of the climate impact of retired credits and reliance on high-integrity standards. Buyers are encouraged to improve market integrity, while policymakers should work towards lowering transaction costs in the long run. read the full news 👇 https://lnkd.in/g-9WzvDM #cdrcredits #carbonmarket #climateaction

We need a price on carbon dioxide emissions and a functioning carbon market so we can ensure polluters pay, and invest into high-integrity CCP-aligned, project-based carbon credits that help reduce emissions, alongside credible transition plans to accelerate global decarbonisation. Many of these projects are found across our markets in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, where trillions in climate finance is currently needed.   #Innovation #Sustainability #Carbon Standard Chartered, Bill Winters, Marisa Drew, Zarak Pasha, CFA The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM)

The Biden administration released the "Voluntary Carbon Markets Joint Policy Statement and Principles" this week. Key highlights include: ✔ Credit Integrity: Stakeholders must ensure that one carbon credit truly represents one tonne of CO2 (or its equivalent) reduced or removed from the atmosphere, beyond what would have occurred otherwise. ✔ Principles for Participation: Carbon credits and projects must meet credible atmospheric integrity standards, represent real decarbonization, avoid environmental and social harm, and support transparent and inclusive benefits-sharing. ✔ Corporate Accountability: Companies should prioritize measurable emissions reductions within their own value chains, disclose the nature of purchased and retired credits, and ensure public claims accurately reflect the climate impact, relying only on high-integrity credits. For more information: https://lnkd.in/g3kwYasm #esg #sustainability #climatechange

As the deadline for net zero targets approaches and the Basic Payment Scheme is phased out, conversations with land managers about generating income from carbon markets are becoming more frequent. Despite this, there remains uncertainty surrounding the terminology used to discuss this emerging commodity. Recognizing the significance of carbon emissions on the environment and the vital role that land management and agriculture can play in reducing them is crucial for preserving the delicate atmospheric conditions that sustain human life. It all begins with grasping the terminology. This article delves into some of the most commonly used terms in this field.

Is this the US laying the groundwork for a move to a carbon market (if the current government wins the next election)? At the least this document states that the US Government "has and will continue to shape this (VCM) market." The principles committed to by the US Federal Government are nothing particularly ground-breaking in a carbon management and disclosure sense, but the statement is important, particularly the 7th principle - that "Policymakers and market participants should facilitate efficient market participation and seek to lower transaction costs." This hints to the need for an expanded and (potentially) national market in the US (currently its a fractured mix of state and voluntary use and obligations). In particular the statement says: "Addressing the barriers (e.g., high transaction costs) facing credit-generating suppliers—including farmers, ranchers, forest owners, small businesses, developing country jurisdictions, and others—can improve the overall ability of VCMs to produce high-integrity credits that advance decarbonization and generate economic opportunity. Policymakers and buyers should consider ways to enhance market certainty for credit providers undertaking long-term and often significant investments in decarbonization that plan to rely on VCM revenues to finance their actions." Interesting times - what's the bet that they adopt an Australian style baseline and credit scheme... like us, they will have a problem with the term "carbon tax" so a cap and trade scheme would be a very hard sell. https://lnkd.in/g-9DeSAA

🌱 Navigating the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market can be a complex journey, but it's crucial for businesses committed to making a positive environmental impact. Our client, d.light South Africa is leading the way, showing how dedication to sustainability goes beyond just a commitment—it's about taking actionable steps towards a greener future. As we support d.light in sharing their story, we're reminded of the importance of every action taken towards reducing carbon footprints. It's not just about meeting targets; it's about fostering a community that values and works towards sustainability every day. 🌍 Dive into the essentials of confidently stepping into the voluntary carbon market and join the movement towards a more sustainable world. Let's make every step count! #carbontargets #carbonfootprint #dlightcommunity