What's next for voluntary carbon markets

On the ESG Insider podcast, we often hear that achieving the low-carbon transition on a global scale will require a mix of solutions. Carbon markets are one key tool available to companies and countries.

In this episode, we bring you the second of a two-part miniseries on carbon markets. In part one last week, we explored how voluntary and compliance carbon markets work. We also heard that voluntary carbon markets have faced some recent challenges and criticisms that have eroded confidence and dampened trading in those markets.

In this episode, we dig into what is driving those challenges and how the voluntary market is evolving to address the concerns. We explore different types of voluntary carbon credits that are currently available in the market. And we hear how voluntary markets can play a role in international decarbonization efforts.

We talk with Dr. Spencer Meyer, Chief Ratings Officer at BeZero Carbon, which provides project-level credit risk assessments for voluntary carbon credits. Spencer explains that carbon markets are relatively new and are still developing the necessary safeguards and infrastructure.

"What we've been seeing over the last year or two are quite a few new initiatives really to improve the quality and integrity in the market," says Spencer. "In general, I think the market is moving in a strong direction. But it will take some time to work out the kinks."

We also speak with Frédéric Gagnon-Lebrun, Global Director for Climate Policy, Finance and Carbon Markets at South Pole, a carbon project expert and climate consultancy.

Listen to part one of our carbon markets miniseries, "Exploring the role of carbon markets in reaching climate targets," here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/exploring-the-role-of-carbon-markets-in-reaching-climate-targets

Listen to our episode about Article 6 of the Paris Agreement here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/at-cop26-why-article-6-matters-to-companies-and-investors

Click here to learn more about S&P Global Commodity Insights' research and analysis of carbon markets: https://www.spglobal.com/commodityinsights/en/commodities/energy-transition/carbon

This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global.

*Episode show notes updated on August 28, 2024, with a revised description of South Pole.

Copyright ©2024 by S&P Global

DISCLAIMER

By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties.

S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.