A high-integrity voluntary carbon market would allow us to unlock urgently needed climate finance and reduce and remove billions of tonnes of emissions. However, there is a long way to go to fix the current flaws and make the VCM work for the climate.
The fundamental market flaws need to be confronted without delay, even if it requires rejecting many of the current prevailing practices for quality assurance. The voluntary carbon market needs an overhaul now to be fit to serve the long-term demand for high-quality carbon credits for meeting corporate net-zero targets. The market's future depends on how successful integrity initiatives and stakeholders within the VCM can tackle the current challenges.
In this white paper, we will discuss:
- The systemic flaws in the voluntary carbon market
- Why 90% of projects fail Compensate Foundation's evaluation criteria
- Uncertainties stemming from evolving regulations
- Efforts to improve integrity
Download our white paper to understand the ever-evolving landscape related to quality assurance, claims, regulations, and the imminent risks of greenwashing associated with current offsetting practices.
"Despite its current problems and controversy, VCM can effectively mitigate the climate crisis if its integrity and transparency improve dramatically. The market’s future depends on how successful integrity initiatives and stakeholders within the VCM can tackle the current challenges."
Eftimiya Salo
Carbon Market and Policy Lead at the Compensate Foundation
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This white paper is published by the Compensate Foundation, which focuses on reforming the voluntary carbon market. It operates on a non-profit basis and is fully funded by grants and donations.