Presenting CP Daily, Carbon Pulse’s free newsletter. It’s a daily summary of our news plus bite-sized updates from around the world. Sign up here
CARBON FORWARD ASIA
Article 6.4 market sees unclear near-term outlook, despite efforts to advance integrity
The emerging Article 6.4 market has the potential of being a high-quality benchmark for international carbon trade with more stringent requirements, but it remains unclear to what extent the approach can be utilised, panellists told a conference Wednesday.
Australian Coalition election win might see major Safeguard carve-outs
A Coalition party win at the imminent Australian election would not see the updated Safeguard Mechanism repealed, but it could be weakened or see large sectors, such as LNG, carved out, a conference heard this week.
Much work ahead for Vietnam’s carbon market launch, analyst says
The ministry overseeing Vietnam’s soon-to-appear pilot carbon market is about to merge with another in the biggest government shake-up in decades, though it’s impact on the scheme launch date remains uncertain.
Insured carbon credits can command premiums, but cost and liquidity challenges remain
Carbon credits that come with insurance can fetch a premium of up to 40% and are 75% more likely to trade, the Carbon Forward conference in Singapore heard on Wednesday.
Thailand considers allowing 15% carbon credit offset in emissions trading scheme
Thailand is considering allowing businesses to meet up to 15% of their compliance obligations under its planned emissions trading system (ETS) using carbon credits, an exchange official said on Wednesday.
Singapore working on sustainable claims guidance as APAC companies take wait-and-see approach
A Singapore industry group is working with stakeholders to develop a sustainable claims guidance for the carbon industry that it hopes can be applied to the broader Asia-Pacific region.
ASIA PACIFIC
China includes ETS sectoral expansion in 2025 work plan
China will prioritise several carbon-related measures this year, including the planned expansion of the coverage of industries in the national ETS and enhancing the capacity for emissions accounting and verification, according to the annual government work report released on Wednesday.
New Zealand publishes draft land-use classification framework
The New Zealand government has developed a draft land-use classification (LUC) framework for the country, which delineates carbon forestry from indigenous and exotic plantations.
AMERICAS
Carbon offsets company co-founder arrested by US authorities in $145-mln fraud case
A co-founder and the largest shareholder of a California-based carbon offsets company was arrested this week on charges of defrauding investors of at least $145 million, US authorities said.
North American Clean Fuels Markets: Regulatory roadblock pushes LCFS credit prices below $60
California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) credit prices slid below $60 for the first time this year as uncertainty surrounding the implementation timeline of programme updates continued to weigh on market sentiment, while Canada considered retaliatory tariffs on US biodiesel imports.
BRIEFING: Repeal of US EPA’s endangerment finding could shift CO2 enforcement to courts, NGO says
The 2009 rule that allowed greenhouse gases (GHG) to be regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA) may soon be nixed by the Trump administration, a move that climate groups say would expose industry to federal litigation.
Minnesota considers SAF credit boost, extension
Minnesota could boost its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) tax credit by millions of dollars and extend eligibility by five years.
Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs on US, targets biodiesel imports
Canada announced a slate of tariffs on US goods in response to the levies announced by President Donald Trump on imports from Canada and Mexico that took effect on Tuesday.
Canadian agricultural company shifts focus to carbon credits amid revenue decline
A Canadian agricultural cleantech company is refocusing its business towards carbon credits, it reported last week, as its Q1 2025 financial results showed a significant drop in revenue and net losses through the pivot.
BeZero puts Brazilian forestry carbon project on ‘rating watch’
BeZero Carbon has placed a Brazil-based forestry project on ‘rating watch’ following new information from the project developer.
Brazilian state creates commission to oversee local REDD+ activities
A rainforest-rich Brazilian state has established a commission to monitor REDD+ benefit-sharing and emissions reductions, support REDD+ projects and programmes, and liaise with a key national REDD+ agency.
US-based ERW developer selects Puro to certify its credits
A US-based developer of enhanced rock weathering (ERW) has selected removals platform Puro.earth to certify its carbon removal credits under the Puro Standard for engineered carbon removal (CDR), they announced on Wednesday.
EMEA
EU yields to carmakers by extending CO2 compliance period
The European Commission has bowed to pressure from the automotive industry by granting car manufacturers more flexibility to meet CO2 emission reduction targets, while taking a step towards decarbonising corporate fleets.
ETS2 risks widening inequality, unless carbon revenues are redistributed -report
The EU’s new carbon market for road transport and buildings (ETS2) risks significantly deepening economic inequality across Europe — hitting parts of Eastern and Southern Europe the hardest — unless it is accompanied by strong redistribution measures, according to EU-funded research published on Wednesday.
Ireland risks up to €26 bln in costs for missing 2030 climate targets -report
Ireland could face compliance costs between €8 billion to €26 bln if it fails to meet legally binding EU climate targets, according to a report released Tuesday.
UK invests £55.7 mln to boost floating offshore wind industry at Scottish port
The UK government has allocated £55.7 million to expand a Scottish port and enable it to become the first in the country to produce floating offshore wind turbines at scale, it announced on Wednesday.
African Group, Russia talk “fair” climate action, bemoaning CBAM
The Kenyan chair of the African bloc of climate change negotiators recently visited Moscow to discuss international challenges including trade barriers such as the EU’s carbon border fee, and the outlook for the global carbon market, the group announced on Wednesday.
Allowing power storage, sales would boost EV uptake -EU association
By allowing owners of electric vehicles in Europe to store excess electricity, and to sell it back to the grid, the bloc could boost uptake while they save considerably, an EU industry association has said.
UK waste-to-energy operator launches next phase of carbon capture programme, with first pilot in Wales
A UK waste-to-energy operator is moving ahead with the next phase of its carbon capture technology programme, installing the only active carbon capture and storage (CCS) pilot in Wales and a new pilot plant in West Yorkshire.
INTERVIEW: Cloud service provider evaluates carbon projects for potential to offset residual emissions
A cloud service provider with market cap exceeding €1 billion is evaluating nature-based carbon projects in France, with an eye to potentially buying more credits in future if it deems the quality of these projects high enough.
UK university spins out climate scenario analysis company
A top UK university has spun out a new company which aims to provide climate scenario analysis for investors.
Euro Markets: Carbon tracks gas gyrations, ends modestly firmer as funds cut length for third week
European carbon prices enjoyed a healthy boost from a strengthening gas market on Wednesday morning, but gave up almost all their gains in a choppy afternoon as natural gas also unwound steep increases to close 4.5% down on the day, after the European Commission announced its intention to soften gas storage mandate rules.
INTERNATIONAL
IPCC’s next assessment report stuck after contentious talks, including on carbon removals
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) failed to agree on a timeline for the publications of its seventh assessment cycle report (AR7) after “contentious talks” during its latest meeting, which the US failed to attend, the panel said Wednesday.
Sweden and Ghana strike two new Article 6 deals
Sweden and Ghana have struck two Article 6 deals that are expected to cut the equivalent of 450,000 tonnes of CO2 in the West African country by 2030.
Over half of global fossil CO2 emissions in 2023 tied to 36 companies -report
Emissions from major oil, gas, coal, and cement producers increased in 2023 compared to the previous year, with more than half of fossil fuel CO2 emissions linked to just 36 companies, according to a report released Wednesday.
As climate deteriorates, political and corporate inaction persists, EU climate scientists warn
Leading scientists are sounding the alarm bell over the growing chasm between scientific evidence and political action on climate change, warning on Thursday that a shift to an increasingly inhospitable planet may already be underway.
VOLUNTARY
VCM MONTHLY DATA: Surging Feb retirements and strong CCP volumes offer positive demand-side signals
A month-on-month surge in retirement volumes in February, alongside continued strong interest in credits approved for ICVCM’s Core Carbon Principles (CCPs), are among factors offering a positive signal for the VCM over the year ahead.
BRIEFING: CDR experts predict more competition for less funding in 2025
CO2 removal (CDR) suppliers can expect a competitive funding year ahead, experts said Wednesday, as private capital begins to shift its limited investment away from early-stage companies and into those at later phases of growth.
Durable CDR market continues to face cost, regulatory hurdles -survey
The market for durable CO2 removals is expected to expand significantly in the coming years, but high costs and regulatory uncertainty remain key barriers to scaling adoption, according to a new survey.
Delays and oversupply: Voluntary carbon market faces structural challenges as growth stalls -analysis
The voluntary carbon market faces structural inefficiencies – including issuance delays and oversupply – that could hinder its growth, putting it at a disadvantage to other climate-related investment vehicles such as green bonds, according to a new report.
Offtakes eat up biochar market, benefit early buyers who pay up front -report
Biochar offtakes struck by early bird buyers are locking in available supply at discounted rates, likely crowding latecomers out due to limited leftover supply and unaffordable prices, according to information published Wednesday by a carbon removals (CDR) marketplace.
BIODIVERSITY (FREE TO READ)
All our nature and biodiversity articles remain free to read (no subscription required). However, we now require that all readers have a Carbon Pulse login to access this content in full. To get a login, sign up for a free trial of our news. If you’ve already had a trial, then you already have a login.
WWF launches Deforestation-Free Leather Fund with $10 mln target
WWF has launched a fund that seeks to galvanise collective action to tackle Brazilian deforestation and land degradation in leather supply chains with a target raise of $10 million.
European Investment Bank to back French voluntary biodiversity credits
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has teamed up with a Paris-based consultancy firm to help scale voluntary biodiversity credit transactions in France, with a view to backing the market uptake across the EU.
FEATURE: EU advisory group resources are limiting biodiversity work for taxonomy
The ability of the influential Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF) to fulfil its mission of helping to enhance the EU Taxonomy, in areas including biodiversity, is hindered by its reliance on volunteer labour, a member of the group has told Carbon Pulse.
Environmental impact fund raises €300 mln at first close
A French asset manager announced this week that it has secured €300 million for an impact fund investing in solutions to mitigate biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change.
ICYM
New suite of news and intelligence products to celebrate 10 years of Carbon Pulse
To celebrate 10 years of Carbon Pulse, we are announcing the launch of two new subscription products – Net Zero Pulse and Nature & Biodiversity Pulse – to enhance our suite of specialist news and intelligence offerings.
—————————————————
EVENTS
EVision 2025 – Mar. 5-6, Brussels – An energy system transitioning to net zero requires more flexibility. Electric vehicles can be a great source of flexibility for Europe’s energy system, but their potential remains largely untapped today. Eurelectric together with EY will quantify EVs potential, benefits to the power sector and costs savings for consumers at EVision 2025: power sector accelerating e-mobility at Autoworld. Register
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
European Climate Summit – Apr. 1-3, Lisbon – To kick off our Annual Regional Climate Summit Series of this year, we at IETA look forward to welcoming delegates this Spring to our flagship European Climate Summit (ECS) 2025, taking place at the Pavilhao Carlos Lopes. ECS will take place amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, even as carbon markets in the EU and globally continue to mature and expand. A new political cycle for EU climate action has begun, and the task of preparing carbon markets for their next stage presents both new challenges and opportunities. In this dynamic context, competitiveness, integrity, and innovation will be at the heart of our discussion. Be part of the conversation driving the next phase of carbon market evolution. Join us at ECS to engage with policymakers, business leaders, and climate market pioneers who are shaping the future of carbon markets. Organised by IETA, ECS is an in-person event. Register
—————————————————
Premium job listings
- (Senior) Quantitative Carbon Market Analyst EU ETS2, Veyt – Oslo/London
- Nature and Biodiversity Correspondent, Carbon Pulse – Remote
See all listings or post a job
—————————————————
ADVERTISE WITH US
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.
—————————————————
BITE-SIZED UPDATES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
EMEA
Dent to climate-crisis buffer – Europe’s race to build a war economy is putting a huge dent in development finance meant to fight the fallout of floods, droughts, and cyclones in poorer countries, with potential to fuel European inflation, drive up immigration, and weaken the bloc’s standing abroad. The UK plans to cut aid spending by £6 bln ($7.6 bln) to make room for increased military spending, Germany intends to scale back development finance by almost $1 bln, while the Netherlands has unveiled €2.4 bln of cuts, with similar plans by Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland underway. The pullback has implications for many soft commodities in countries that export to Europe, with potential for higher prices on everything from coffee to cocoa and bananas, according to Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, a think tank. It believes the retreat by western governments from development finance risks ceding soft power in strategically important geographies to nations that Europe considers hostile, adding to the blow by the US to freeze foreign aid. Meanwhile, the S&P Global Clean Energy Index lost about 40% of its value since Russia invaded Ukraine in Feb. 2022, while the S&P Global 1200 Aerospace & Defense Index climbed 64% in the same period. (Bloomberg)
Help with ETS2 – The European Commission published on Wednesday two guidance documents on the Social Climate Plans, and the application of the ‘Do No Significant Harm’ principle to the Social Climate Fund. Both documents should help member states develop their national plans and submit them by June this year. The fund provides funding to address the social impacts of the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and road transport on vulnerable households, micro-enterprises, and transport users. Operating from 2026 to 2032, it will provide €65 bln and eventually mobilise €86.7 bln. Drawing from its prior public consultation, the Commission published a second guidance document, reducing administrative burdens and providing further clarity on the DNSH principle application. Read our feature on member states’ preparedness.
The North Sea’s future – The UK government kicked off yet another public consultation on Wednesday, this time on plans to “unleash” the North Sea’s clean energy future and ensure a “prosperous and sustainable” shift for oil and gas. The consultation, running until Apr. 30, sets out Whitehall’s plan to make the North Sea a world leader in offshore industries such as hydrogen, carbon capture, and wind. It plans to offer the oil and gas industry long-term certainty on the fiscal landscape by ending the Energy Profits Levy, and replacing it with a regime to boost investment in jobs and growth. By consulting on the plan, the government said it was giving the industry certainty about the lifespan of oil and gas projects. At the same time, the announcement confirmed that the government does not intend to issue any new oil and gas exploration licences.
More storage space – Norway’s Ministry of Energy has announced a new area in the North Sea where companies can apply for CO2 storage exploration licences, aiming to expand large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS). Energy Minister Terje Aasland highlighted the importance of commercial-scale CO2 storage to achieve climate goals, noting Norway’s vast storage potential on the continental shelf. To date, 13 licences have been issued – 12 exploration licences and one exploitation licence. The latest licensing round follows a request from a commercial company interested in a specific area. Companies have until Apr. 23 to apply, with awards determined through individual applications under Norway’s CO2 storage regulations. The process ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations set by the Petroleum Safety Authority. The government aims to facilitate cost-effective CO2 storage, prioritising qualified companies with industrial plans. Exploration licences will generally be issued before exploitation licences, with work programs requiring investment decisions or relinquishment of areas to allow competition. This initiative aligns with Norway’s strategy to establish a predictable and efficient framework for industrial CO2 storage, supporting Europe’s broader decarbonisation efforts.
Zero-emission roads – Norway’s transport and communications ministry has asked the country’s Public Roads Administration to propose legislation and rules that allow municipalities to establish zero-emission zones, the ministry announced on Monday. Most of the greenhouse gas emissions from car traffic come from the largest cities, and several of them want to help boost the use of electric and hydrogen cars, it said. The ministry will ask the roads administration to submit a proposal for public consultation as soon as possible, then it will be up to local authorities to decide if they want to go ahead or not.
“A colossal missed opportunity” – A new joint report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council and the Climate Change Advisory Council warns that Ireland could face compliance costs of up to €27 bln if it fails to meet EU climate targets. The report highlights that Ireland has the highest per-capita emissions gap in the EU and is one of the worst-performing countries under the bloc’s Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR). The estimated costs for missing targets depend on how close Ireland gets to meeting its commitments and the price of purchasing emissions credits from other EU states. If the government fully implements its Climate Action Plan, these costs could be reduced to between €3 bln and €12 bln. However, the report stresses that current efforts are not progressing at the necessary speed or scale. The report outlines key measures to reduce emissions, including a €7 bln investment in upgrading the electricity grid, €4 bln to support electric vehicle adoption, and €1 bln for forestry and peatland restoration. It also notes that failing to meet targets has already cost Ireland €500 mln in lost carbon credit revenue over the past four years. The authors argue that proactive investment would not only help Ireland avoid massive penalties but also improve energy security, public health, and environmental sustainability.
Hallo, friend – Iraqi Environment Minister Hallo Askari met on Wednesday with Oil Minister Hayyan Abdul Ghani, during which the two discussed developing carbon markets through the state-backed Carbon Credits Company, according to a statement received by Iraqi site Shafaq News. Askari, a new appointee within the environment ministry since Dec. 2024, has thus far been a proponent of carbon markets. He directed the so-called ‘Carbon Economics Company’ – potentially the same entity – to hold the first meeting of its board of directors in December. In January, Iraq signed an MoU with the UK government in support of carbon markets development, among other decarbonisation aims.
Let’s go, Lagos – Lagos State in Nigeria is launching Africa’s first subnational carbon exchange, reports Nigerian newspaper The Guardian. Developed in partnership with project developer GreenPlinth Africa and unnamed international collaborators, the platform is meant to establish Lagos as a hub for compliance carbon markets, driving low-carbon investment. The exchange follows Lagos State’s launch of a state-level carbon registry for corporates, which may participate voluntarily, last September.
ASIA PACIFIC
J-deal – The Japanese city of Nishio in Aichi prefecture has signed a deal with Toho Gas, Aichi Bank, and carbon project developer Bywill for an arrangement that will see the city fund the generation of J-Credits from solar power and rice cultivation projects that it will use towards its climate targets. The deal, signed Tuesday and announced Wednesday, is the latest in a long line of similar set-ups where municipal governments seek to use the J-Credit programme towards achieving their goals.
Diligence – Standard Chartered’s SC Ventures and Engies Factory this week launched Qatalyst, a platform offering due diligence services to carbon market investors. It aims to facilitate efficient and transparent investment processes, SC Ventures said in a post on LinkedIn.
Stalled – A confidential advisory document to the Western Australian state government shows the state’s electricity decarbonisation efforts have “stalled to date”, the Guardian reported. The advice, written late last year, said there were “few new wind developments” advanced enough to be added to the grid before the promised closure of a coal power station in 2027. Separate analysis from think tank Sustainable Energy Now found no major solar or wind developments were added to the grid between 2021-23.
CO2 capture on Japanese tanker – Singapore-based engineering firm Seatrium has installed carbon capture technology on the tanker named Nexus Victoria, operated by Japanese shipper Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL), it said in a LinkedIn post Tuesday. This marks the first-ever installation on a Japanese vessel. Onboard carbon capture systems trap CO2 from the ship’s exhaust gases, cooling and processing it with amines to separate out the carbon. The captured CO2 is then liquefied for safe offshore storage or further use. Norwegian shipping firm Solvang also recently retrofitted its gas carrier with onboard carbon capture. (shipandbunker.com)
Preferential loans – South Korea will provide new loans worth 100 billion won ($7 mln) to companies that proactively invest in GHG reduction facilities and research and development (R&D), the trade ministry announced Wednesday. Selected companies can receive loans of up to 50 bln won for up to 10 years at a low interest rate of 1%.
AMERICAS
Foreign funds freeze fails – In a 5-4 decision, the US Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s emergency request to freeze nearly $2 bln in foreign aid funds. The ruling, which followed President Trump’s decision on Jan. 20 to freeze all foreign assistance programmes, upheld a lower court’s order requiring the administration to resume payments, with the justices instructing the trial court to clarify compliance obligations. Justice Samuel Alito, joined by Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh, dissented, arguing the ruling forces taxpayer funds to be spent unlawfully and undermines government authority. The decision leaves ongoing legal disputes over the funding pause unresolved.
Credit cash boost – Carbon Done Right, a voluntary carbon offset project developer, announced the completion of its non-brokered private placement, raising a total of C$423,800 through the issuance of 28.3 mln shares. The final tranche included 11.3 mln shares priced at C$0.015 per share, generating C$168,800 in gross proceeds. A portion of the placement involved related party transactions, with 17 mln units subscribed by related parties under exemptions from formal valuation and shareholder approval requirements. The funds aim to support the company’s flagship forest carbon restoration project in Sierra Leone and fulfill investment obligations under a prior pre-purchase agreement. The announcement comes after Carbon Done Right recently reported a net loss of C$6.4 mln for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, compared to C$4.8 mln for FY 2023.
Stocking up on hydrogen stock – The US green hydrogen company Plug Power announced Monday that it has reached an equity purchase agreement with the investment management firm Yorkville Advisors. The agreement provides the hydrogen company the option to sell up to $1 bln of stock, which provides the company with the financial flexibility until Feb. 2027, according to a press release. Under the terms of the agreement, Plug Power retains full authority over the sale of the shares and it is not obligated to sell any shares unless certain conditions are met. The agreement is part of the company’s restructuring strategy, which will also include layoffs in the coming weeks.
Tax credit tussle – 80 companies, including IKEA US, Ford, and Heirloom Carbon, are lobbying Congress this week to preserve federal clean energy tax credits amid ongoing tax and spending negotiations. Organised by Ceres, a sustainability advocacy nonprofit organisation, the ‘LEAD on a Clean Economy 2025’ event in Washington DC aims to connect businesses with lawmakers to highlight the economic benefits of these incentives. As Republicans consider cuts to clean energy provisions, participating companies argue that maintaining the tax credits is essential for energy affordability, economic growth, and national security.
Carbon tariff calculations – Washington DC-based research and advocacy group Climate Leadership Council (CLC) released Tuesday a revenue estimator that suggests a US carbon tariff could generate between $120-240 bln over a decade. The CLC such analysis is particularly relevant as tax reform takes centre stage in 2025 and policymakers explore options to offset the costs of expected tax cuts. In Apr. 2024, CLC CEO Greg Bertelsen told Carbon Pulse bipartisan support for some form of a US CBAM has increased, with Democrats more driven by environmental concerns and Republicans more so by geopolitical and economic considerations, and experts have said a second Trump administration presents an opportunity to advance the idea of a carbon tariff, particularly a Republican-led proposal.
Three’s a party – Sagepoint Energy launched Wednesday, combining three existing organisations to develop, operate, and execute waste-to-energy solutions in the US. The three companies are Dynamic Renewables, a developer of anerobic digestion facilities that convert dairy manure into RNG; BC Organics, a biorefinery producer of RNG; and Natural Organics, a transportation and logistics company. Sagepoint is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana.
VOLUNTARY
Carbon credit withdrawal – Fonterra has removed the ‘Toitū carbonzero’ certification from its Anchor specialty milk after choosing to move away from using carbon credits to offset the emissions produced in creating the milk. Anchor moved away from the use of carbon credits in 2023, with the certification ceasing in Feb. 2024, the company said. A lack of consumer understanding with carbon zero claims was behind the change, an executive said. The milk was part of the Toitū carbonzero certification programme, which saw Anchor procure carbon offsets from three projects approved by Toitū: to support native forest regeneration in Kaikoura, New Zealand, a windfarm in New Caledonia, and a solar energy installation in India. According to Toitū Envirocare’s website, carbonzero certification is time limited, and continuous improvement must be demonstrated to continue to be certified annually.
Another arrow in the quiver – The American Biogas Council, a trade association, launched a biogas carbon accounting tool to track projects’ lifecycle emissions. Clean energy consulting and advisory firm EcoEngineers prepared the tool to fill carbon accounting gaps for biogas projects, building on existing compliance and voluntary carbon market methodologies. The American Biogas Council said their tool differs from the gold-standard GREET model, created by the Argonne National Laboratory, by accounting for the environmental benefits of replacing synthetic fertilizer us with digested material from biogas systems.
Token please – Environmental services firm Ambipar has entered into an agreement with Sao Paulo-headquartered financial services firm B3 Digitas for the trading of tokenised carbon credits, according to a filing in the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM). Reuters reported these will be REDD+ credits, and the pair said the initiative aims to meet demand in the VCM in a transparent and secure way. Brazil Journal reported that tokens on SAP are currently trading for around $12. According to the outlet, Ambipar is exploring listings in other countries as well, as well as developing a currency that can be circulated by banks. The company is also hoping to serve Brazil’s recently approved national ETS. In February, Ambipar signed a MoU with the Brazilian state of Sergipe that envisions supporting carbon projects worth up to R$300 mln.
To the ratings agencies – Stakeholders broadly value independent CDR protocol review, but there are differences in what they want out of the process and how they think it should function, according to a survey led by research non-profit CarbonPlan. 36 organisations were invited and 26 responded, with no participation from brokers nor investors. Most wanted priority in reviewing quantification and accounting rules of protocols, but diverged widely regarding what such reviews could enable – such as the desire for a watchdog function, establishing a “quality floor”, and preventing a race to the bottom. Carbonplan said the remaining question at hand is which function or functions should be prioritised.
SCIENCE & TECH
Kitchen party incoming – A group of students from Eastern Canada have won $10,000 for their from UK-based clean energy accelerator, Mission Innovation, towards their pitch of improving monitoring of CO2 removal in marine environments. Co-founders of start-up Equlantic Aquatic Monitoring, the students took home the cash after placing in the top three of the accelerator’s SMART CDR competition at 2025 CLIMIT Summit in Larvik, Norway.
AND FINALLY…
Go to Hel – Helsinki has been awarded the Green Destinations GSTC certificate, marking a significant milestone in its ambition to become the world’s most sustainable travel destination. It is the first city with a population exceeding 500,000 to receive this certification, which follows the strict Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria. The certification evaluates over 280 sustainability criteria, covering environmental, cultural, social, economic, and governance aspects. Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability was already recognised in autumn 2024, when it topped the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Helsinki boasts a high proportion of environmentally certified hotels, attractions, and meeting venues. The recognition comes as the EU tightens regulations on greenwashing, requiring companies to provide verified environmental claims. The Green Destinations GSTC certificate and sustainability rankings reinforce Helsinki’s transparency and leadership in sustainable tourism.
Got a tip? How about some feedback? Email us at news@carbon-pulse.com
