This Week in Carbon

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and co-host Rene Velasquez sit down with Charles Bedford, Chief Impact Officer at Carbon Growth Partners (CGP). They discuss various aspects of carbon markets, including the recent collapse of Cocoa Networks and its implications for the industry. They explore the importance of permanence mechanisms in nature-based solutions and the complexities of measuring biodiversity credits. The dialogue also touches on the contrasting perspectives of the Global North and South regarding carbon markets, with a particular focus on China's emerging role as a significant player in the global carbon landscape. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of carbon markets and the need for clear regulatory frameworks to support their growth.TakeawaysCocoa Networks' collapse highlights the fragility of carbon markets.The demand for carbon credits is still significant despite setbacks.Permanence mechanisms are crucial for the success of nature-based solutions.Biodiversity credits are complex and localized, differing from carbon credits.The Global North often misunderstands the needs of the Global South.China is emerging as a significant player in global carbon markets.Investment in the Global South is essential for climate solutions.Regulatory frameworks need to evolve to support carbon markets.The intersection of insurance and buffer pools can enhance project viability.Future success in carbon markets depends on clear pathways and demand signals.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smithand regular guest Rene Velazquez sit down with Patrick Flynn, founder of Switchboard,former head of sustainability at Salesforce and a leader in corporate climateaction. He discusses his career journey and the evolving role of ChiefSustainability Officers. He emphasizes the importance of influencing changewithin organizations, making a business case for climate action, and addressingscope three emissions. Flynn also highlights the significance of corporateadvocacy in climate policy and the need for companies to engage with financialinstitutions to drive sustainability efforts. The discussion concludes withreflections on the importance of speed and scale in climate strategies and thepersonal journey of finding purpose in climate action.Takeaways·     The Chief Sustainability Officer acts as theplanet's advocate within a company.·     Influencing change requires understandingcolleagues' motivations and building relationships.·     Climate action is not just about environmentalresponsibility; it also makes good business sense.·     Scope three emissions represent the largestshare of corporate emissions and require focused strategies for reduction.·     Corporate climate policy advocacy is essentialfor aligning business practices with sustainability goals.·     Engaging with financial institutions cansignificantly impact a company's carbon footprint.·     Speed and scale are critical in climatestrategies to achieve meaningful change.·     Companies should leverage their unique strengthsto drive climate action effectively.·     Building coalitions among companies can amplifythe impact of sustainability efforts.·     Awareness of the environmental impact offinancial decisions is growing, but more action is needed.Chapters·     00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup·     02:58 Patrick Flynn's Career Journey·     05:45 The Role of Chief Sustainability Officer·     09:11 Influencing Change in CorporateSustainability·     12:10 Making the Business Case for ClimateAction·     15:03 Scope Three Emissions and Value ChainDecarbonization·     18:07 Corporate Climate Policy Advocacy·     21:03 Switchboard and Topo Finance Overview·     23:58 Engaging with Financial Institutions forClimate Action·     27:07 Speed and Scale in Climate Strategies·     30:00 Conclusion and Reflections on ClimateAction

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and regular guest Rene Velasquez sit down with Alexia Kelly. Alexia shares her extensive journey in the field of carbon markets, discussing her experiences in both public and private sectors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of carbon markets, the role of the ICVCM in establishing standards, and the future of global carbon markets, particularly in relation to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities within the carbon market landscape, including the need for better communication and the significance of voluntary actions in driving climate initiatives.Key Takeaways:Alexia's journey in environmentalism began in her childhood during the timber wars.She emphasizes the importance of working in both public and private sectors for a well-rounded perspective.The carbon market is evolving, with significant changes in standards and methodologies.Communication in the environmental space needs to be simplified for broader understanding.The ICVCM is crucial for establishing quality standards in carbon markets.Voluntary actions can lead to significant innovations in climate policy.The future of carbon markets is promising, especially with the upcoming compliance markets.Investment in capacity building is essential for developing countries to engage in carbon markets.The complexity of carbon markets presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.A portfolio approach to carbon credits can enhance the effectiveness of climate action.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Context of Carbon Markets01:24 Alexia's Career Journey in Climate and Sustainability09:32 Insights from Corporate Carbon Buying at Netflix20:34 The Role of ICVCM in Carbon Market Integrity27:01 Emergence of Robust Methodologies in Carbon Markets28:13 Market Dynamics and Quality Standards30:24 Article 6 and International Cooperation32:50 Challenges in Implementing Article 638:38 The Role of Voluntary Markets41:16 Future of Global Carbon Markets45:32 Building a Verified Carbon Market Coalition49:01 The Path to Net Zero and Market Integration

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith engages with Clinton Libbey, founder of Kumi Analytics, to explore the transformative role of satellite imagery and AI in carbon markets. Clinton shares his extensive background in remote sensing, detailing his journey from working with NASA's early image processing systems to founding Kumi Analytics. The conversation delves into the complexities of using satellite data for environmental monitoring, particularly in carbon projects, and highlights the importance of deep learning in extracting valuable insights from satellite imagery. Clinton emphasizes the need for accurate environmental intelligence to improve the integrity and transparency of carbon credits, especially in light of past scandals in the carbon market.Key highlights:Satellite imagery is the richest source of information.Deep learning is crucial for extracting value from complex satellite data.Combining different satellite types enhances data accuracy.Mangroves are critical for carbon sequestration but face significant threats.High-resolution data is essential for accurate carbon monitoring.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Background02:14 - Clinton Libbey's Journey in Remote Sensing05:08 - Deep Learning and Satellite Imagery07:11 - The Shift to Carbon Markets10:53 - Types of Satellites for Environmental Monitoring16:29 - Data Fusion and Ecosystem Variations19:27 - Blue Carbon and Mangrove Restoration25:08 - Challenges in Blue Carbon Projects28:56 - Estimating Below Ground Carbon31:14 - Kumi's Approach to Mangrove Restoration34:26 - Collaboration with Private Developers36:24 - The Future of Digital MRV40:23 - Interoperability and Standardization in Carbon Markets46:08 - Conclusion and Key Insights

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and regular guest Rene Velasquez sit down with Marc Stuart, founding managing partner of Allotrope Partners. He shares his extensive journey in the carbon markets, beginning in 1993 and leading to the founding of EcoSecurities. He discusses the evolution of carbon markets, the challenges faced during boom and bust cycles, and the intersection of compliance and voluntary markets. Marc emphasizes the importance of decarbonizing supply chains for corporates and the role of storytelling in the voluntary market. He also highlights the potential of digitalization and AI in improving efficiency in carbon credit issuance, while acknowledging the complexities of agriculture in decarbonization efforts.Key takeaways:• Marc Stuart's journey in carbon markets began in 1993 during his PhD.• EcoSecurities was founded to create a third-party certification system for carbon credits.• The carbon market has experienced significant boom and bust cycles due to supply and demand imbalances.• Compliance markets are evolving, and there's a growing intersection with voluntary markets.• The future of carbon markets will depend on consistent demand signals and innovative financial instruments.• Decarbonizing supply chains is crucial for large corporates in the current market.• The role of third-party ratings in carbon projects is complex and evolving.• Digitalization and AI are expected to improve efficiency in carbon credit issuance.• The agriculture sector presents unique challenges for decarbonization efforts.• The importance of storytelling in the voluntary carbon market cannot be underestimated.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and weekly guest Rene Velasquez, sits down with Gerald Prolman, Executive Chairman of Everland, who brings decades of experience in carbon markets to the conversation. They dive deep into the groundbreaking Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond—a innovative initiative designed to channel upfront capital into Indigenous-led forest conservation projects across the greater Amazon. The discussion covers Everland's critical role in supporting and marketing these high-integrity REDD+ efforts, the often polarizing impact of media narratives on voluntary carbon markets, and the enduring potential of REDD+ as a powerful tool against climate change. Gerald highlights the essential role of community leadership and benefit-sharing, the urgent need for immediate action to safeguard the world's remaining forests, and the rapidly evolving dynamics of carbon credits in today's market. Takeaways ·       Gerald Prolman has over 46 years of experience in sustainability.·       Everland connects forest communities with capital for conservation projects.·       The Indigenous Amazon Outcome Bond aims to fund indigenous-led projects.·       Media narratives have significantly impacted the perception of carbon markets.·       REDD+ projects are essential for immediate climate action.·       Trust and transparency are crucial for the success of carbon markets.·       Indigenous communities play a vital role in forest conservation.·       The future of carbon markets will involve both avoidance and removals.·       Equitable Earth was created as a response to market challenges.·       Indonesia's approach to carbon markets may serve as a model for other countries.If you would like to watch the full video of the concert, you can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSRE5Lv60q4&t=9s

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Robert Höglund, manager of the Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund, co-founder of CDR.fyi, and policy advisor on carbon removal (including SBTi and EU expert groups).Robert brings deep expertise from his NGO background to managing one of the most catalytic corporate climate funds, sharing candid insights on scaling impact across durable CDR, decarbonization, and nature protection.We discuss: • Robert’s journey: From Oxfam climate policy to co-founding CDR.fyi and leading Milkywire’s fund • Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund: $17M+ allocated across 60+ projects, catalytic pre-purchases, and internal carbon fees • 2025 CDR trends: VC slowdown, concentrated buyers (Microsoft dominance), and the gap between needed scale and financing reality • Corporate demand dynamics: Push for near-term operational net-zero, scope 1-2 incentives, and why long-term arguments fall flat with CFOs • Removals vs. reductions debate: Durable CDR for willful fossil continuation (e.g., aviation), cost-effectiveness of avoidance/nature, and balanced portfolios • SBTi net-zero draft critique: Steps forward on beyond-value-chain mitigation but delays and weakening of durable CDR requirements • EU 2040 target & policy signals: Massive potential demand via international credits, buyers club prospects, and risks of delayed supply • Outlook & incentives: Tough years ahead for durable CDR, the need for labels/claims restoration, and barriers that must fall to avoid lost momentum Essential listening for anyone shaping corporate climate strategy or tracking carbon removal markets—this episode cuts through the hype with pragmatic analysis and forward-looking views.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Dale Hardcastle (Partner, Bain & Company – Singapore, Energy Transition & Asia) and Henning Huenteler (Partner, Bain & Company – Amsterdam, Sustainability & Carbon Markets), two of the sharpest minds tracking corporate climate action and carbon markets globally. Coming off a chaotic 2025, Dale and Henning pull no punches on what actually changed this year—and what it means as we head into 2026.We discuss:• 2025 in review: from ESG backlash and Larry Fink’s silence to the biggest Climate Week ever and a surprisingly pragmatic COP30• Bain’s AI-powered analysis of 35,000+ CEO statements: sustainability mentions are down, but business-value framing has doubled since 2018• The global marginal abatement cost curve: ~25% of emissions already profitable to cut today, another ~33% get there by 2035• Policy whiplash: US 180° pivot, EU walking back overreach, Asia’s quiet but relentless march on energy security and green growth• AI’s terrifying power hunger: data centres potentially adding 800+ Mt CO₂e/year by 2035 and why efficiency gains aren’t even close to keeping up• Carbon removal reality check: 60 Mt of committed corporate demand by 2030 vs. only ~20 Mt credible durable supply without urgent off-take signals• The hyperscaler bottleneck: why Microsoft, Google, Stripe & co. can’t scale CDR alone—and what it really takes to unlock the next wave of buyers and capital• Asia’s emerging carbon-market leadership: Singapore’s hub ambitions, Indonesia reopening its market, Vietnam unlocking direct PPAs• 2030s outlook: the countdown to 2030 targets is now real for CEOs, the slow-but-steady maturation of carbon markets, and why both guests remain genuinely optimistic

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Rene Velasquez (filling in for Edward over Thanksgiving) is joined by Naomi Chloe Swickard – a 20-year veteran of the carbon and conservation space, former leader of Verra’s REDD+ program, architect of the world’s first jurisdictional REDD+ framework, and key contributor to the new consolidated VM0048 methodology. Naomi delivers a candid, insider masterclass on where forests and carbon markets actually stand at the end of 2025, why progress is happening outside COP, and what it will really take to scale high-integrity nature-based solutions.We discuss:• Naomi’s unexpected entry into the market (a chance meeting at a bar in Thailand) and two decades shaping REDD+• COP Berlin (“the Forest COP”) debrief: symbolic wins, missed opportunities, and why the real action is now beyond the UNFCCC• The capitalism paradox: growth vs. climate, tragedy of the commons, and the lack of enforcement teeth• REDD+ evolution: from VM0007 to VM0048, jurisdictional nesting, risk-map allocation, and the first issuances finally landing• Market reality check: delayed supply, ICVCM approval, green-hushing, and quiet rebuilding of demand• Project vs. jurisdictional REDD: why both are essential and must co-exist indefinitely• The permanence debate, the integrity-vs-scale trap, and why “perfect” is preventing near-term climate impact• Standing-forest protection vs. the removals renaissance: where capital is flowing and where it’s still missing• Clarity gaps: SBTI’s new guidance, Article 6.2 momentum, debt-for-nature swaps, and emerging financing models• 2026–2030 outlook: jurisdictional acceleration, blue carbon & peatlands, contribution claims, and the turbulent road to a workable, scalable market

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Siddhanth Jayaram, Sricharann Seshadri and Neelesh Sachdeva, co-founders of Equilibrium, together with a legendary surprise appearance from carbon market OG Nick D’Alleva (co-founder of APX/Vera). From late-night Skype auctions worth millions to building India’s most diverse high-integrity removal portfolio — this one’s packed with history and forward vision.We discuss: • Surprise drop-in from Nick D’Alleva: Wild stories from the early VCM days, near-miss million-dollar transfers, and why he’s calling the end of the 2022–2025 down-cycle • Nick’s market forecast: Next explosive up-cycle starts late 2026, peaks 2028–2030 — bigger than 2020–2022 — driven by lower rates, removal demand, and high-quality supply • Equilibrium’s origin story: Two ex-VC/finance guys betting everything on smallholder-led carbon removal in India • Going full-stack: How they layered capital markets thinking + carbon science + on-ground ops with 125 million smallholder farmers at the core • Portfolio deep-dive: Regenerative ag (VM42), agroforestry (VM47), mangroves (VM33), biochar (Puro + Isometric), and live enhanced rock weathering pilots • Why tech alone failed on integrity — and what actually works • Capital stack wars: Inverted pyramid vs. forest ecosystem metaphors, blended finance breakthroughs, and India’s first major USAID-backed CDR transaction • Registry evolution: For-profit registries (Isometric, Puro, Rainbow) forcing innovation and better developer experience • Buffer pools need a full rethink — insurance as buyer of first resort? • Voluntary → compliance bridging: Who bears liability when credits go compliance-eligible? • The massive Series A/seed funding gap in carbon — and how Equilibrium convinced top-tier VCs anyway • Advice to buyers still on the sidelines: “Shoot bullets now before you have to fire cannons later” • Why early corporate action today is the smartest risk-mitigation play for tomorrow’s compliance reality.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith is joined by Melissa Lindsay, Founder & CEO of Emstream and Emsurge, a veteran with over a decade broking LNG and building trading platforms. Melissa shares her journey from LNG’s infancy to pioneering wholesale infrastructure for carbon markets, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping liquidity and market maturity.We discuss: • Melissa’s career path: From Global head of LNG at Tullett Prebon to launching Emsurge and pivoting into carbon amid COVID • LNG-carbon parallels: Physical-to-financial evolution, index-linked pricing, and off-take structures • Market dynamics: Oversupply vs. demand, “art market” pricing, vintage decay, and charismatic credit trends • Infrastructure innovation: Hybrid platform with real-time bids/offers, broker facilitation, and agnostic settlement • Tech partnerships: Calyx/Sylvera ratings filters, automated KYC, and front-end marketplaces for Africa • Article 6 operationalization: Host-country LOAs, corresponding adjustments, and non-NDC project vacuums • CBAM catalysis: Upstream carbon taxes in Africa/Asia and protectionism’s rise • 2030 outlook: M&A consolidation, CORSIA/J-REDD dominance, futures indices, and AI-driven DMRV-to-marketplace

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Chris Leeds, Head of Carbon Markets Development at Standard Chartered Bank and board member of the Integrity Council (ICVCM) — a 20-year veteran who helped launch the EU ETS and co-founded Climate Impact X.Chris delivers a masterclass on scaling carbon markets with integrity, finance, and policy. We discuss: • Chris’s journey: From trading CDM credits at Merrill Lynch to supporting Standard Chartered’s CEO on the Taskforce to Scale Voluntary Carbon Markets • ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles (CCPs): The “two-tick” assessment driving a race to the top amid proliferating standards (Gold Standard, GCC, Puro, Isometric, and more) • Blurring voluntary & compliance lines: Singapore’s tax offset, EU ETS crediting mechanisms, and the shift to “project-based” (not voluntary) credits • Standardization as rocket fuel: Why fungible contracts, indices, and liquid secondary markets unlock institutional debt at 70% LTV• Bankability unlocked: Off-take agreements, portfolio aggregation, and turning carbon projects into infrastructure-grade assets (not VC bets) • Finance masterclass: Debt needs revenue certainty — fixed-price/floor offtakes, digitized MRV, and replacement cost clauses for risk management • Asia’s carbon boom: Singapore’s deliberate ecosystem, Indonesia’s presidential decree, Vietnam’s dual supply/demand play, and China’s 5GT ETS eyeing international credits • Global momentum: Brazil, Japan (GX League → ETS), Australia, and the Coalition to Grow Carbon Marketslaunching shared principles at COP • Cost-effective abatement: Why chasing $200/ton in Europe is illogical — methane, avoided deforestation, and clean cooking need priority • Scale & speed: Forward purchase agreements, private sector filling the $1.3T gap, and carbon as a proxy for biodiversity & nature finance• Market resilience: Surviving hype cycles, entering the slope of enlightenment, and gearing up for 2030 demand surge

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Alfredo Nicastro, Global Head of Carbon Solutions at StoneX, a veteran with over 20 years in climate finance and carbon markets. Alfredo shares his journey from a civil and environmental engineer in Brazil to a leader in global carbon solutions, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping decarbonization and market evolution.We discuss:  Alfredo’s career path: From Brazil’s hydropower and waste management to shaping carbon markets at StoneX Decarbonizing supply chains: Growing buyer pressure for carbon-neutral commodities like cotton and clothing Insetting vs. offsetting: Why agriculture and metals lean toward insetting, with offsets for residual emissions Carbon pricing evolution: From 10 instruments in 2005 to 80 covering 28% of global emissions in 2025 Policy insights: Chile’s carbon tax model, the need for price transparency, and risks of fragmented regulations Article 6 progress: Optimism for 6.2 bilateral agreements and hopes for 6.4 clarity at COP30 Climate urgency: Breaching 1.5°C early, AI-driven energy demands, and the need for tech-based solutions like methane capture Market maturity: Portfolio-based risk management, ratings, insurance, and CORSIA’s looming supply short squeeze

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, we speak with Madhur Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, and Ikarus Janzen, Co-Founder & Chief Commercial Officer of Varaha—one of the top 3 global suppliers of high-quality CDR credits in 2025 (per CDR.FYI). They share how Varaha scaled to profitability in just 3.5 years across 4 CDR pathways, delivered 100,000+ tons of biochar, and landed landmark deals with Google and Louis Dreyfus. We explore India’s emergence as a CDR superpower, the insetting revolution for resilient supply chains, and why traction follows traction in smallholder agriculture.We discuss: Founder journeys from VC and agribusiness to building a 200-person CDR powerhouse CDR market segments: legacy avoidance vs. nature-based vs. durable removals (and Varaha’s unique 4-pathway edge) How deep ag expertise + digital MRV unlocked rapid scale amid 6-14% yield drops from climate chaos The Google biochar bombshell: 100K tons by 2030 from India’s 100M tons of waste biomass Louis Dreyfus’ first-of-its-kind insetting deal: 5-year wheat resilience + premiums for sustainable cotton (15¢/t-shirt) Buyer pressures: Shareholder ESG targets + consumer premiums fueling food/textile insetting Farmer realities: Droughts, geopolitical food crises, and turning mitigation funds into adaptation wins India’s 2030 vision: Vast land, cheap solar, and basalt riches positioning it as the world’s CDR hub

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and co-host Rene Velasquez are joined by Sebastian Manhart, Senior Policy Advisor at Carbon Future and co-host of the CDR Policy Scoop podcast, to explore the rapidly evolving world of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). Sebastian shares his journey from social entrepreneurship to advising Angela Merkel’s chancellery, highlighting Carbon Future’s mission to build trust infrastructure for a scalable CDR market through robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV). The discussion dives into record-breaking CDR market growth, Europe’s delayed climate targets, and groundbreaking national policies, offering a deep dive into the numbers, politics, and future of CDR. We discuss:• The CDR market’s historic Q2 2025, driven by Microsoft’s mega-deals and growing corporate demand• Risks of market concentration and the need for compliance markets to ensure long-term stability• Europe’s 2040 climate target delays and the significant role of international offsets under Article 6• The UK’s 15-year Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and Germany’s €500M CDR investment by 2033• Overcoming environmentalist skepticism and the mainstreaming of CDR as a critical climate solution

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Rene Velasquez sits down with Renat Heuberger and Steve Zwick to discuss their new book, The Carbon Paradox, and its unique approach to unraveling the complexities of carbon markets. Recorded ahead of New York Climate Week 2025, this conversation delves into the power of storytelling to make the nuanced challenges of climate finance accessible and engaging.Key Highlights:• The genesis of Carbon Paradoxes, sparked by Renat’s reflections in Bali amidst 2023’s carbon market controversies.• How the book’s fictional narrative brings to life 25 paradoxes, from ethical dilemmas to control tensions, making complex concepts resonate emotionally.• The collaborative writing process, where characters took on lives of their own, guiding the authors to an authentic and impactful story.• Upcoming book launches at the Brooklyn Book Festival (September 21, 2025) and a “Cocktails and Carbon” event in Manhattan (September 22, 2025), plus university talks at Columbia and Johns Hopkins.Topics Discussed:• The importance of storytelling in bridging the gap between technical carbon market debates and public understanding.• The control paradox: balancing governance and autonomy in carbon projects, and why it’s a universal challenge in climate finance.• Addressing the “Groundhog Day” cycle of recurring controversies by openly confronting paradoxes and fostering constructive dialogue.• Inspiring the next generation of climate leaders through relatable characters and a hopeful vision for scaling carbon markets.Join us for an insightful discussion on how Carbon Paradoxes aims to break the cycle of criticism, engage a broader audience, and spark a rebirth of the carbon market dream. Perfect for anyone interested in climate solutions, storytelling, or the future of sustainable finance! Amazon link for those interested in purchasing the book:https://www.amazon.com/Carbon-Paradox-Renat-Heuberger/dp/1637777507/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4PVT6T2THI50&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vWXYbnAfKTU0r-yGOhe6DNRbEDz6OhBXKdCrfqGCYmdDISuk6Amc6lWm5_Hp6nzHEJKcZLJy1G3kAyAnOh8rqlHptwdDxh4DhBrA25EgzlZsoEJhkTm3Ve_AZSRZ7bXUCkdzG4vXBUN59G3WpUF2flG3VNELogt0suqsfFq4B4xcWQkfSQUCet9ebGVLbxvwtOJ2F9quE7NFmVteYHawxwttad5JrG13j4CdU7NqYwY.KXs0uvRJiTUqj3RoWy_W31QoBTdh3f-ccMMs2nT_b0c&dib_tag=se&keywords=carbon+paradoxes&qid=1758221490&sprefix=carbon+paradoxes%2Caps%2C319&sr=8-1 More information on the upcoming launches can be found below:https://carbonparadox.org/book/events/

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith engages in a compelling discussion with Phoebe Scott from Climate Asset Management (CAM) about the evolving landscape of natural capital and carbon markets. Edward explores Phoebe’s expertise in climate finance and her leadership in fostering inclusivity in the industry.Key Highlights:• Phoebe’s journey from investment banking to CAM, driven by a passion for ESG and natural capital investing.• CAM’s dual strategies: a nature-based carbon strategy generating credits in the Global South and a natural capital strategy focusing on agriculture and forestry in the Global North.• The role of blended finance in de-risking projects to attract institutional capital and scale nature-based solutions.• The rapid growth of Women in Carbon, a global initiative co-founded by Phoebe, now spanning over 10 chapters worldwide.Topics Discussed:• The challenges of scaling natural capital as an institutional asset class, including market fragmentation and liquidity issues.• How carbon markets enhance the bankability of nature-based projects by diversifying revenue streams and mitigating climate risks.• The importance of voluntary market initiatives like ICBCM and VCMI in building trust and ensuring credit and claim integrity.• The impact of Women in Carbon in empowering women through networking, knowledge sharing, and global community-building.Join us to discover how CAM is seeking to drive institutional capital into natural solutions and how Phoebe’s leadership is shaping a more inclusive carbon industry.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Rene Velasquez dives into the future of carbon markets with Joe Dell'Orfano from Verra and Wes Geisenberger from the HBAR Foundation. They discuss Verra’s groundbreaking shift to a next-generation registry infrastructure with S&P Global Commodity Insights, powered by Hedera’s blockchain technology. This partnership is set to transform the carbon market by replacing static PDFs with machine-readable, transparent, and auditable digital systems. Key Highlights: • Verra’s move away from its long-term registry partner APX to a new system focused on digitization and interoperability. • How Hedera’s blockchain creates an immutable audit trail, streamlining project onboarding, methodology digitization, and long-term monitoring. • The potential for real-time data insights, from satellite monitoring to financial traceability, to boost market confidence and liquidity. • Addressing double counting and interoperability with other carbon markets, including compliance systems and Article 6 frameworks. Topics Discussed: • The role of Verra’s Project Hub in digitizing methodologies and enabling real-time project tracking. • How blockchain enhances transparency and trust, benefiting stakeholders like project developers, buyers, and rating agencies. • The vision for a scalable carbon market with standardized data, supporting everything from voluntary credits to national registries. • Financial integrity in carbon projects, including tracing funds from forward contracts to community impacts. Join us to explore how Verra and Hedera are laying the digital rails for a more transparent, efficient, and scalable carbon market.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, we sit down with Stuart Rowland, CEO of Revalue, to unpack why the voluntary carbon market needs a radical shift in how we think about credit quality.Stuart shares his journey from physics to climate entrepreneurship and explains why treating all credits as “the same” undermines trust, value, and impact. Instead, he argues for a new mental model: one where credits are judged on rigor, outcomes, and integrity.You’ll learn about:- Why carbon credits vary so widely in quality — and why that matters.- What it will take to build real trust and confidence in outcomes.- How ecosystem-based credits can scale responsibly without sacrificing integrity.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, we explore the evolving voluntary carbon market (VCM) with insights from experts in carbon credit ratings, Donna Lee and Duncan van Bergen. The VCM is shifting from heuristic-based to data-driven decisions, with ratings agencies enhancing transparency and integrity. Despite challenges like baseline accuracy, embodied emissions, and a focus on in-setting, the market is maturing through better methodologies, digital tools, and education. By 2030, the VCM should be a robust, digitised climate tool, prioritising impact over perfection.We discuss:• The role of transparent, data-driven ratings in assessing carbon credit quality and impact• The shift from heuristic-based to evidence-based decision-making in the VCM• The growing price premium for high-quality credits and challenges with baseline accuracy in nature-based projects• The importance of balancing corporate emissions reduction with carbon credit purchases• The potential of digitised infrastructure and market maturity to drive climate impact by 2030