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TOP STORY

US President Trump declares “national energy emergency”, exits Paris Agreement

US President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency during his inaugural speech on Monday, in a move aimed at unleashing fossil fuel production in the country, and ended the day exiting from the Paris Agreement.

CARBON FORWARD MIDDLE EAST

Gulf could enter ‘VCM 2.0’ with homegrown ODS projects

Ozone-depleting substance (ODS) refrigerant gas projects are scarce but on the rise in a voluntary carbon market (VCM) angling to prove its integrity, and they could gain a foothold in Gulf countries best known as buyers, according to the regional lead for a VCM standard speaking in Abu Dhabi.

EMEA

INTERVIEW: EU could accept Article 6 credits for CBAM, ETS — if they’re strong enough, says ex-top official

The EU could accept international carbon units in its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), ETS, or ETS2 schemes — as long as the credits are of a high enough quality, according to a former top climate official.

EU prepares measures to save auto industry, with climate in mind

The European Commission is preparing a series of measures to protect the automotive sector from unfair international competition, while keeping with the Union’s decarbonisation goals.

CBAM fees expected to bite into Ukrainian GDP, causing job losses

The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) fee could cause Ukraine to lose 6.4% of its GDP by 2030 due to a drop in export volumes and job losses, according to Ukrainian analysis.

UAE railway operator launches inaugural carbon credits for switching from road to rail

The developer and operator of the United Arab Emirates National Railway Network has launched the region’s first-ever certificates for avoiding and reducing CO2 emissions from companies switching from road to rail transport.

UK firm lands £100 mln to build ‘multi-energy hubs’ for trucks and vans

A London-based clean energy company on Monday announced it had secured £100 million from a specialist global investment manager to construct the UK’s first multi-energy hubs designed to help decarbonise commercial road transport fleets.

Tanzania to establish clean cooking energy fund linked to carbon trading -media

Tanzania is finalising plans to establish a Clean Cooking Energy Fund aimed at subsidising cooking gas prices for low-income households, with financing tied to carbon credits, local media reported on Thursday.

Euro Markets: EUAs rise for 8th successive session despite growing doubts, as UKAs drop to new record low

European carbon prices advanced for a record-equalling eighth session in a row on Monday as prices enjoyed a boost from a spike in the gas market even as traders saw a growing chance of a sell-off, while UKAs set a new record low as confidence continued to ebb in the British government’s ability to quickly progress the market reform agenda, and the prospects for linking the EU and UK markets remain low.

AMERICAS

US Federal Reserve, four Canadian banks withdraw from net-zero banking alliances

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) announced that it will be leaving the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) in the days leading up to President Donald Trump’s return to the White House.

US report identifies likeliest regions to discover geologic hydrogen

A federal report released last week found that there is a high probability that naturally-occurring geologic hydrogen could be found in certain regions of the US, creating more potential for the clean fuel to decarbonise various sectors.

Low-carbon, floating hotel sets sail for Canadian waterfront

A Finnish floating real estate developer is proposing a 250-room, low-carbon hotel on Canada’s most sought after waterfront.

LATAM Roundup: Mexico eyes ETS as subnational CO2 taxes spread, Honduras targets Article 6

The administration of new Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum last week stated it would prioritise operationalising the country’s long-delayed emissions trading system (ETS), potentially leading a recent wave of ETS plans in the region, though subnational CO2 taxes continue as the dominant carbon pricing mechanism in the North American country.

ASIA PACIFIC

Indonesia sees low volume, low price in inaugural correspondingly-adjusted carbon credit auction

Indonesia’s National Carbon Exchange (IDX Carbon) saw around 3.5% of units offered trade at less than $5 each at its inaugural sale of correspondingly-adjusted Indonesia Authorised Carbon Credits (IACCs), held Monday.

Australia announces A$2 bln green aluminium production credit scheme

Australia is putting A$2 billion ($1.24 bln) behind a green aluminium industry that will use clean energy rather than coal in the production process, offering credits to smelters under a 10-year plan.

NZ Market: NZU price remains rangebound, as minister expands portfolio

New Zealand carbon allowances remain below the auction price floor with little movement expected until the next government auction in March, as the country’s climate minister has been given a broader remit in a cabinet shakeup.

Korean steelmakers may face US tariffs as extra carbon permit allocation deemed subsidy

Top steelmakers in South Korea could face additional tariffs imposed by the US, as extra permit allocation to steel companies under the Korean emissions trading scheme is considered to constitute a subsidy, according to a recent judicial decision.

Japanese conglomerates establish new venture to create, trade nature-based carbon removals credits

One of Japan’s largest trading houses in partnership with a leading shipping conglomerate has established a venture to create, trade, and retire nature-based carbon removals credits, they announced Monday.

INTERNATIONAL

Blue hydrogen too costly to make green steel -report

Using blue hydrogen in new forms of lower-emissions steelmaking instead of green will not have the same level of environmental benefits and will ultimately cost more money, according to a report released this week.

VOLUNTARY

VCM Report: Prices flatline, but new entrants to market , SBTi growth strike bullish outlook

Prices were little changed amid a quiet start to the year, but fresh analysis of the new entrants to the market in 2024, as well as a surge in the number of companies setting science-aligned climate targets painted a bullish outlook.

New REDD carbon methodology to result in “substantial” reductions in credit issuance -ratings agency

The new consolidated REDD methodology developed by voluntary carbon standard Verra will result in a large reduction in credit supply, compared to its previous programmes, according to analysis published Monday by a project ratings agency.

Major e-commerce platform inks two new carbon removal deals

An e-commerce platform has signed an agreement for 5,000 tonnes of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) credits with a company developing projects in the Global South, and a separate deal with Sweden-based biochar developer for an undisclosed amount of credits.

Verra issues formal response to critical report of carbon crediting practices

Voluntary carbon standard Verra has issued a detailed response to a critical analysis of its crediting practices, published over the summer by a project rating agency, acknowledging “valuable suggestions” while also defending many of its approaches.

Carbon removal initiative sees offtake purchases jump 68% in 2024

A carbon removals buyers’ club saw its total offtake commitments jump to a record $279 million, up from $166 mln in 2023, it said in an annual statement last week.

BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)

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Wales must improve nature protection by boosting investment, report says

The Welsh government must enhance its support for nature by spurring investment, following numerous examples of undelivered commitments, a parliamentary committee said on Monday in a report.

Nature-positive transition could unlock $1.4 trillion across four sectors, WEF says

Taking steps to mitigate corporate impacts on nature and increasing investments in restoration efforts could unlock an estimated $1.4 trillion in business opportunities across the offshore wind, mining, ports, and automotive sectors, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

IAPB to help governments develop biodiversity credits after “tsunami of interest”

The International Advisory Panel on Biodiversity Credits (IAPB) will support governments in embedding its framework in national policies as the next phase of its initiative to scale the market, following what it called a “tsunami of interests” in credits, co-chair told a webinar on Monday.

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EVENTS

Calyx Webinar: 5 Ways to Minimize Environmental and Social Risk – Jan. 29 – As a carbon credit buyer you want to maximize your impact and minimize your risk. Join sustainable development experts as they share strategies for decreasing environmental and social risks in carbon projects so you can make informed purchasing decisions and investments. Register now!

Carbon Forward Asia – Mar. 4-5, Singapore – Our third annual Asian conference will once again be held in Singapore. Like at our past events, we’re excited to bring together experts from Asia Pacific to talk ASEAN markets, regional opportunities, developments in local and global carbon pricing, and all the topics you need to hear about across a stimulating two days. Register here

North American Carbon World (NACW) – Mar. 25-27, Los Angeles – The annual NACW conference addresses the most pressing issues in climate policy and carbon markets to the largest gathering of climate professionals in North America. NACW 2025 will dive into major new policies and developments that will shape and scale carbon markets and climate solutions with integrity and ambition. In addition to outstanding speakers, discussions, and insights, NACW provides premier networking opportunities with an active and engaged audience of carbon professionals. Join us for the content, community, and connections for successfully navigating the low-carbon landscape and advancing market-based climate solutions. www.nacwconference.com

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Job listings this week

• *Forest Carbon Sales Manager, Manulife Investment Management Timberland And Agriculture – Boston/Remote
• *Assistant Director, Carbon Markets, Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) – Washington DC/at Asia Society Centers in US, India, Korea, Japan, Australia, France, or Switzerland
• *Senior Program Officer, Carbon Markets, Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) – Washington DC/at Asia Society Centers in US, India, Korea, Japan, Australia, France, or Switzerland
• Executive Director, Global Energy Monitor – Remote, North America

*Premium listings

See all listings or post a job

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ADVERTISING BROCHURE

Carbon Pulse has published its 2025 advertising brochure and media pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. With that, bookings are now open for advertising on our website and in our newsletters.

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BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

INTERNATIONAL

UN climate funds – The UN’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) is considering borrowing private capital from banks and other investors in order to meet the ambitious goal to manage $50 bln by 2030, set in 2023 by its executive director, Climate Home News reports. At COP29 in Baku, under pressure from small island nations and the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), all governments agreed to “pursue efforts to at least triple annual outflows” between 2022 and 2030 from UN climate funds like the GCF. The GCF could look to benefit from proposals for global taxes on polluting economic sectors for example. Yet turning to capital markets to scale up climate finance is controversial as it prioritises profit-driven projects like renewable energy over critical adaptation efforts and addressing loss and damage, say experts. It’s harder to turn a profit from climate adaptation projects than it is clean energy. When it comes to the UN Adaptation Fund, which must increase its allocations to projects and programmes to $400 mln a year by 2030, countries have agreed it can receive a 5% levy on emissions reductions registered with the Article 6 carbon market, under which credits may start to trade this year.

EMEA

EU-Malaysia FTA – The EU said on Monday it will relaunch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with Malaysia, including a sustainability chapter with climate commitments, the European Commission announced on Monday. “Like all Europe’s free trade agreements, this is about more than economic exchanges. We will aim to build our partnership on robust commitments on labour rights and climate and environmental protection,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. The exact timeline of negotiation still needs to be discussed and will also depend on the timing of the EU’s internal process, which is expected to take a few months, said Olof Gill, Commission spokesperson for trade. “If all goes well, a first round of the relaunched negotiations could be held still before the summer of this year,” Gill said. It is the EU’s intention that the FTA contains an ambitious Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapter, with legally binding and enforceable commitments, EU sources told Carbon Pulse, without elaborating further.

Dropouts – Top lenders in Europe are reconsidering their membership of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), after US peers including JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs quit the group, the FT reports. Executives are worrying about the future of net zero in light of the change in US administration Monday. Separately, the senior ranks of the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (Gfanz), of which the banking group was one part until earlier this month, have been struggling to convene a meeting to discuss the future of climate collaboration, ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. Efforts to arrange a meeting this week to discuss the alliance’s future have been beset by scheduling issues, antitrust concerns, and political distractions, with the meeting instead provisionally scheduled for early next month. Attention is now turning to shareholders to keep pressure on climate promises as US investors quit climate alliances, Carbon Pulse explored in a recent feature.

Noticeably absent – During a debate at the European Parliament’s full plenary meeting in Strasbourg on the record heat in 2024, and the need for climate action, the plenary room was noticeably empty. Out of 720 members of the European Parliament there were less than 20 in the room to debate the climate emergency posed by the fact global temperatures warmed more than 1.5C in 2024. Peter Liese from the cenrist right-wing party European People’s Party said the data is “horrifying” and that we have to be “realistic” but also active, and that every decimal degree counts. Cut red tape, be technologically neutral, and find cheaper solutions, Liese said. An MEP from the Patriots for Europe said the Green Deal is putting financial stability in peril, while the Left said we must tax the rich and do more. An MEP from the far right group, Europe for Sovereign Nations group, previously the ID group, said “the problem is not the heat, it’s the cold,” and that a warmer climate is a blessing. Pascal Canfin, MEP from centrist party Renew, said it will be much more costly to deal with the consequences of a warming planet than to act now to lower emissions.

Swedish SMR – A venture between Uniper and Sweden’s Blykalla has begun work on a nuclear test reactor in the latest sign the nation’s nuclear renaissance is gathering pace. The government sees nuclear as a key answer to boosting electricity supplies as demand looks set to ramp up in coming decades. The small plant on the site of Uniper’s Oskarshamn atomic power station will be Sweden’s first new reactor in about 40 years. The unit won’t produce any power but will instead highlight various processes, including safety features, that will be applied to a lead-cooled version of a small modular reactor — or SMR — that Blykalla is designing. Ultimately the aim is to have a SMR up and running at the turn of the decade with a first capacity of c. 70 MW. (Bloomberg)

Penned support – Primark, Unilever, and Nestle are among eight companies to have penned a letter to EU leaders on Friday, to pledge support for the EU’s current sustainability agenda, amid a growing push to weaken it. Their letter addressed the European Commission’s plan to amend the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CS3D), Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and Taxonomy Regulation to make them more business-friendly. The letter urged the practical implementation of the rules, calling for consistency, clarity, and confidence in their application. Their move comes as lobbying and political campaigning against the three laws becomes increasingly aggressive as the Commission prepares to table its proposed revisions next month. Among those calling for changes is the European Roundtable on Industry (ERT), which has called for major reductions in the scope and ambition of the regulations.

New emissions trading – UAE companies have less than six months to comply with the country’s new emissions laws — Cabinet Resolution No 67 on carbon credits that came into force on Dec. 28, and a federal decree “on the reduction of climate change effects” unveiled last August and that will become law in May. The country aims to become carbon neutral by 2050. Under the new rules, public and private sector businesses that produce emissions of at least 500,000 tonnes of CO2eq per year will be classified as “entities of huge carbon emissions” and must monitor and verify their annual emissions and report these to the government to the deadline of June 2028. They will then be able to participate in the trading of carbon credits on the national registry, though details are not yet clear on how the UAE platform will work. Implementing a monitoring and reporting system for companies and buying carbon credits may lead to significant new costs for companies, experts have said. There will be penalties for non-compliance. (AGBI)

Greener farming – Retailer Co-op has announced a new £820,000 fund to support sustainable farming efforts in Britain, which will see farmers directly rewarded for their efforts in reducing carbon emissions and promoting nature on their farms across beef, lamb, and dairy sectors. Through the fund, farmers will be able to access sustainability payments above the price they are already paid for their products. The first project will focus on the dairy sector and will see Co-op partnering with the Soil Association Exchange to support the 140 farmers in its Dairy Farming Group to reduce carbon emissions and baseline biodiversity and soil health, while the second project, Co-op’s Beef Sustainability Scheme, will reward farmers for adopting on-farm sustainable practices. More than 100,000 tonnes of carbon are expected to be saved under the latter programme over a five-year period.

Equinor’s response – Equinor has corrected outdated information on its website regarding CO2 capture at its Sleipner CCS facility, Gisle Ledel Johannessen, press spokesperson at the Norwegian oil and gas company told Carbon Pulse in response to an article published Jan. 15. The “static webpage”, which had not been updated to reflect reduced gas production since 2012, was revised after investigative journalism platform DeSmog pointed to the discrepancy. “We have now removed this error from our website and updated this section with the correct information,” Johannessen said. Equinor also addressed issues with faulty measuring equipment between 2017 and 2021 that led to overestimations of CO2 capture. “The fact that we had issues with the measuring equipment for CO2 capture on Sleipner during the period 2017–21 is well known and a topic we have been transparent about,” Johannessen said. “We detected this issue ourselves and corrected it.” 99.7% of the CO2 captured at Sleipner over the past five years was injected into the ground and the injection system has been fully operational throughout this period, the spokesperson also said.

ASIA PACIFIC

2024 progress – Turnover of China’s national emissions market in 2024 jumped 25.4% to around 18 billion yuan ($2.5 bln) from a year ago, driven by multiple policy factors, despite a slight decrease in trading volumes, according to an annual report released by the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF), the Beijing-based Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE). The undersupplied national offset CCER market also saw a turnover of more than 19 mln tonnes, up 29% year YoY, following the relaunch of the voluntary scheme in Jan. 2024.

Soil sampling – Australian fertiliser tech company, RLF Agtech, last quarter approved consultants Carbon West to conduct audited independent soil sampling at its Hillston Soil Carbon project in New South Wales. The company told the ASX in a quarterly update the decision to proceed was based on internal soil tests completed after harvest, to understand if the company should begin the process of applying for Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). The next phase will measure soil organic matter independently to see if they have increased sufficiently to be eligible for ACCUs, RLF will then apply to the Clean Energy Regulator to issue ACCUs, depending on the result. Sampling was conducted by a third-party contractor, and the results are still pending.

Dairy credits – Indian government met with officials of milk cooperatives and dairies from the state of Gujarat last week, to accelerate the establishment of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants that will transform cattle dung and other organic waste into sustainable energy and organic manure, Press Information Bureau reported. During the meeting, the officials highlighted that such initiatives will not only help with reducing carbon footprint but also create new revenue streams for farmers and cooperatives in the form of carbon credits. According to the release, Gujarat produces an estimated 0.2 million tonnes of cattle dung daily, presenting the state with an untapped potential to generate an estimated 4,000 tonnes of CBG per day.

Support – Three South Korean ministries have teamed up to support companies that aim to achieve carbon neutrality, local media reported. The Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of Environment announced that they will be recruiting participating corporations for the ‘carbon neutrality commercialisation support project’ in early February. They plan to select 10 small and medium enterprises that possess climate tech and other carbon neutrality technologies to support their commercialisation plans.

Partnership – Stellar Green, which develops projects for the creation of forest carbon credits, has teamed up with the government of Hokkaido’s Teshikaga Town, Hokkaido to better visualise and evaluate local forest resources. They plan to carry out a wide range of activities, including the creation of carbon credits, the introduction of renewable energy, and the effective use of local resources.

Agricultural partnership – Gurgaon-based Olam Agri has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to scale up sustainable development in the global agri-food sector. Both partners will work on areas across value chains and regions to drive innovation and scaling, with possible cross-sectoral issues including climate and carbon credits, landscape-scale approaches, and digitisation. The MoU provides a framework that will facilitate collaboration between the two partners across staple agriculture supply chains that include rice, cotton, and rubber in developing markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Climate finance – Bangladesh could turn to carbon finance under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to plug its critical need for $12.5 bln annually, approximately 3% of its GDP, to address the escalating climate crisis, the UNDP reports. The country needs to strengthen institutional frameworks, foster private sector involvement, and secure external funding to sustain its development in the face of climate change. Carbon markets was among the rage of measures discussed during a training workshop on “Global Climate Finance Architectures” that concluded on Jan. 18 in Dhaka, aiming to strengthen capacity in climate finance among stakeholders across the public and private sector.

AMERICAS

Climate plan setback – Governor Kathy Hochul faced backlash after her 2025 policy agenda omitted a key deadline for the New York Cap-and-Invest (NYCI) carbon pricing programme, initially seen as the centrepiece of her climate plan. The deadline for regulations on GHG reporting, included in an advance draft of the State of the State briefing book, was removed in the final version, leaving only vague assurances of progress, ESG University reported in a Sunday post on Substack. Environmental advocates criticised the change, calling it a setback for climate action, while Hochul defended the move, emphasising the need to “get it right” to serve as a national model. Another green initiative prioritising clean energy companies at industrial sites was also stripped from the final version of the agenda.

Clean car commitment – Colorado’s Air Quality Control Commission approved two key updates to the state’s vehicle emissions testing programme last week to improve convenience and air quality. Starting in 2026, self-service kiosks will allow owners of gasoline-powered and hybrid vehicles to test emissions 24/7. The commission also introduced stricter emissions standards for diesel vehicles, reducing opacity levels to 20% from 40%and enhancing tampering detection procedures. The changes aim to reduce air pollution, improve vehicle efficiency, and help Colorado meet its clean air goals.

Judges to the rescue – Federal judges seem to be leaning in favour of the EPA in a lawsuit concerning deadlines for state plans to address air pollution, E&E reports. On Friday, Judge Cornelia Pillard emphasised in oral arguments that the EPA needs a clear process to control harmful emissions in an orderly manner. The case centres on a 2023 rule that imposes an 18-month deadline for states to submit plans to meet emission guidelines under Section 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The section regulates performance standards for power plants and other industrial pollution sources, and has been instrumental in regulating both GHGs and traditional air pollutants. West Virginia, along with over two dozen other Republican-led states, have argued that the proposed deadlines are arbitrary and should be dismissed.

VOLUNTARY

Alberta CCS offset protocol – Alberta has published its final CCS offset protocol. The documents, updated in the first week of January, appear to finalise proposed changes first announced in draft in November. Draft documents are no longer available. The government has updated the protocol rules first established in 2015, including expanding the scope of CO2 storage projects eligible for credit generation under TIER.  

INVESTMENT

Backtracking – Investors withdrew about $30bn in total from climate-focused mutual funds in 2024 under difficult economic conditions and clouds cast over socially responsible investment with the change of US administration. Assets under management grew more than seven-fold in the preceding four years to a record $541 bln, but this dropped for the first time to $533 bln last year, as positive market valuations failed to fully offset redemptions. Sales fell from a peak of $151 bln globally in 2021 to redemptions of $29 bln last year. Low-carbon funds outperformed the wider market in 2024, returning an average of 13.16% compared with 12.08% for global large market-capitalisation funds. However, clean energy and tech funds (reliant on high CAPEX and policy) lost 5.35% in 2024. (FT)

Savvy Sask consultants –  Canada’s federal government has pledged $718,400 (US $502,000) to the North Saskatoon Business Association to launch a decarbonisation education initiative for businesses in Saskatchewan. The initiative will look to help businesses find flexible, cost-effective ways to mitigate negative environmental impacts, meet consumer expectations, and continue to grow. It aims to promote decarbonisation as a tool for business improvement, including enhanced efficiency through digital transformation, better accounting of carbon emissions, and greater sustainability. 

Eco-boost in Quebec – Canada’s federal government has pledged C$7.5 mln (US$5.2 mln) to Quebec’s Fonds d’action québécois pour le développement durable to mentor at least 200 small-medium businesses in implementing sustainable development action plans. The funding is expected to help businesses adopt ecofriendly practices and clean technology.  

SCIENCE & TECH

Rising academic interest – The number of scientific publications about carbon credits has quadrupled in just five years, leading to 197,000+ articles published in Science Direct in 2024, according to research by the Hager Group. The standout topics addressed in these articles included peatland restoration, mangrove systems, biochar, direct air capture, and REDD+. While carbon markets are being covered more frequently by leading institutions such as Columbia Business School, EDHEC Business School, and Imperial College Business School. The surge underscores a growing academic interest in carbon markets—a space that was once considered too niche for scholarly attention, wrote Tea Bano on LinkedIn.

Carbon-storing concrete – Up to ten billion tonnes of carbon could be absorbed annually in building materials like concrete, potentially cutting atmospheric CO2 to 1988 levels by 2100, according to recent research. Durable materials such as silicon carbide and concrete offer a long-term solution to storing carbon, helping to address excess emissions, according to the study by Mining the Atmosphere, an initiative by Swiss-based institute Empa. However, the process faces challenges, including significant energy demands and the high costs of producing carbon-rich compounds. Overcoming these obstacles could make construction materials a key component in global climate efforts, combining emissions reductions with enhanced sustainability in infrastructure, the report said.

AND FINALLY…

Coral comeback could save millions – Coral reef restoration in Florida and Puerto Rico could save nearly 3,000 lives annually and prevent over $391 mln in damages and economic losses, according to a recent study by the US Geological Survey, UC Santa Cruz, and NOAA. Researchers modelled how restored reefs could reduce flooding across 621 miles of coastline, as coral reefs act as natural barriers by absorbing wave energy and adapting to rising sea levels, providing long-term protection to coastal areas. The researchers found that vulnerable populations who are disproportionately exposed to risks from natural hazards, including children and low-income communities, would benefit most from coral restoration. Using a budget of $3 mln per kilometre, the study found that coral restoration can offer a cost-effective solution compared to artificial infrastructure, such as seawalls.

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