FAQ: Everything you need to know about Article 6 at COP28
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement sets out the principles for carbon markets. At COP28, governments will further develop the rules governing these markets.
REDD+ FAQ: Explaining the ins and outs of forestry climate projects
REDD+, which aims to reduce or prevent deforestation through the voluntary carbon market, is a complex and confusing area. In this FAQ, we answer some frequently asked questions.
Carbon Market Watch submission on UNFCCC Recognition and Accountability Framework
While Carbon Market Watch welcomes the introduction of UNFCCC guidelines for the net-zero pledges of businesses and other non-state major emitters, these guidelines must be designed to lead to actual accountability of these actors. Clear and ambitious criteria must be set for these net-zero pledges. Moreover, the guidelines cannot leave any room for offsetting as […]
Temporary carbon storage is a risky quick fix
Storing carbon temporarily is being touted as a tool for tackling the climate crisis. But unless the CO2 is stored for over a century, this “solution” can do more harm than good, despite the co-benefits to ecosystems.
Carbon Market Watch welcomes EU ban on “carbon neutrality” greenwashing
Companies selling in the European Union will no longer be able to claim that their products are carbon or climate neutral, the EU has provisionally agreed. This victory against greenwashing corresponds to longstanding demands from climate campaigners to eliminate the use of offsets and send a signal to the voluntary carbon market.
Does carbon offsetting do more harm than good?
After years of campaigning by activists, the tide is finally turning on the idea of companies buying carbon credits to compensate for their emissions. But how exactly is carbon offsetting harmful and what’s the alternative?
New carbon market code of practice discourages companies from greenwashing
Guidance on the use of carbon credits by private companies published today by the Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity Initiative (VCMI) is a step in the right direction to rein in greenwashing. The proposed set of rules forms a welcome basis to move the conversation forward but more attention should be given to how companies can contribute to climate action outside of carbon markets.
Belgian supermarkets highlight why EU must shelve “carbon neutral” claims
Our latest report reveals how we are reaching peak “carbon neutrality” but the tide is turning on this disingenuous form of marketing and climate action will be better for it.
Assessing the carbon neutrality claims of products in Belgian supermarkets
This Carbon Market Watch report commissioned by the Belgian consumer organisation Test Aankoop/Test Achats analyses the credibility of climate claims found on 15 products in Belgian supermarkets. The study found that all the assessed products misled consumers in some way by implying some form of “neutral” climate impact that relied on the inappropriate use of […]
Integrity Council’s new carbon market rules offer improvements but don’t close all loopholes
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market has just released a set of new rules which seek to boost the quality of carbon credits for offsetting but ignore other issues with the market. While this is an improvement on current practices, the problematic concept of offsetting itself must be abandoned. As part of its […]
