Presenting Carbon Pulse’s free CP Daily newsletter. Sign up here
TOP STORY
ANALYSIS: Imminent EU ETS proposals expected to have limited market impact
Expected proposals to reform the supply-balancing reserve in the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), and updates to benchmarks determining free permit allocations for industrials, are not likely to have a major impact on carbon market prices in the bloc, analysts have said, as Brussels scrambles to find solutions to ease soaring energy costs and protect European industry.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Carbon Pulse launches North American Compliance Markets Portal
Track the latest auction, emissions, and allocation data for the Western Climate Initiative (WCI), Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and Washington (WA) carbon markets.
DAILY NEWS TICKER
CP Daily News Ticker: 30 March 2026
The CP Daily News Ticker is a running list of all our news updated in real-time throughout the day. This is also the home to our ‘Bite-sized updates from around the world’, which previously featured in our CP Daily newsletter.
EMEA
EU Commission MSR reform proposal will not touch intake rate, volume thresholds -Bloomberg
The European Commission’s proposal to boost the “firepower” of the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) in the EU ETS will not tweak the supply-control mechanism’s intake rate or volume thresholds, and will instead centre around the cancellation of an invalidation clause for excess allowances, Bloomberg reported Monday.
Over a dozen EU countries renew call for CBAM fertiliser suspension
More than a dozen EU countries urged the European Commission to exempt fertilisers from the bloc’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) during Monday’s agriculture ministerial meeting in Brussels.
Italy moves to delay coal power phaseout by 13 years
The Italian government has decided to postpone the closure of the country’s remaining coal power plants to 2038, 13 years after their scheduled phaseout, citing the energy crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.
Euro Markets: EUAs steady after strong auction as market eyes midweek stability reserve proposal
European carbon prices advanced on Monday as a second strong auction in a row triggered a brief flurry of buying that drove the market to its highest in two and a half weeks, before levels retreated slightly in the afternoon, as traders anticipated details of changes to the EU ETS supply management mechanism due to be published on Wednesday.
FEATURE: Carbon rating agencies share divided views on incoming EU ESG regulation exposure
Carbon rating agencies are split on whether they fall in scope under upcoming EU rules on ESG rating activities, which could potentially help unlock more bank finance for the sector and reduce risk of integrating credits in compliance schemes, stakeholders told Carbon Pulse.
Africa Roundup: Article 6 authorisations surge, signalling race for carbon finance
Sub-Saharan Africa saw a surge in Article 6 activity in March, with multiple countries accelerating bilateral carbon market deals and project authorisations, particularly with Switzerland.
Oil giants to earn €24 bln extra from European drivers due to US-Middle East war -analysis
Oil price rises will channel a €24 billion windfall from European drivers to the pockets of fossil fuel majors by the end of the year, according to an analysis calling on the EU to tax these conflict-generated super profits.
EU leather imports linked with deforestation as industry groups push for policy exclusion
Leather imported to the EU from Brazil and Paraguay continues to be tied to forest clearance, a non-profit has said as the European Commission gears up to review the commodities covered by its anti-deforestation law.
Germany moots keeping coal plants open for longer -media
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called into question Germany’s legally-agreed plan to phase out coal by 2038, suggesting to newspaper FAZ that it may be “unrealistic” given the current energy crisis.
EU grants truckmakers extra leeway to meet 2030 CO2 targets
EU member states on Monday signed off on a tweak to the bloc’s CO2 standards for heavy-duty vehicles, giving manufacturers extra leeway to bank emission credits ahead of a major tightening of climate rules in 2030.
Billions for Italian renewable hydrogen scheme approved by EU executive
A €6 billion Italian scheme for renewable hydrogen production for the transport and industrial sectors was approved by the European Commission under the bloc’s state aid rules on Monday.
New book explores climate case against EU energy giant, points to legal risks for fossil fuel producers
A new book published Monday examines a landmark climate case against German energy company RWE, which may have set a precedent for holding major emitters legally liable for their contribution to climate damage.
AMERICAS
RGGI Market: RGAs push higher towards $29
RGGI Allowance (RGA) futures increased more than 6% over the previous week, approaching historic levels seen late last year above the $29 mark.
US airlines on the hook for $127 mln in 2024 CORSIA costs, but participation cloudy -report
US airlines could face a hefty bill for 2024 emissions under the CORSIA international aviation offsetting scheme, but it remains uncertain whether their participation will be enforced, according to a new analysis.
Colombian JREDD+ programme advances toward CCP-eligible credit issuance
A jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD+) programme in Colombia has completed its public consultation period, bringing it closer to issuing (Core Carbon Principles) CCP-eligible voluntary carbon credits, the project developer said last week.
UN review flags risks of overestimated forest emissions in Colombia REDD+ results
Colombia’s reported emissions reductions from deforestation for 2018-22 are broadly consistent with UN climate rules, but methodological shortcomings risk overstating results, according to a UN technical review published Monday.
Corporate giants to buy 130k nature-based removals
Two tech companies and a consultancy have collectively committed to purchase over 130,000 nature-based carbon removal credits from a US-based reforestation project.
Nodal launches cash-settled California carbon contracts in push to broaden market access
Nodal Exchange has launched the first financially-settled futures and options contracts tied to California Carbon Allowances (CCAs), marking a further expansion of derivatives offerings in North America’s largest compliance carbon market.
LATAM Roundup: Governments shape forest carbon credit flows across markets
Over the past week, developments across Latin America showed forest-based carbon supply being channelled into different market pathways, with countries diverging on whether credits are exported, retained for domestic compliance, or supplied to voluntary markets.
ASIA PACIFIC
INTERVIEW: NZ govt doesn’t understand the market, forestry leader says
Low carbon prices and the government’s lack of understanding of market dynamics has created an uncertain atmosphere in New Zealand’s ETS, according to a forestry leader, saying participants will likely need to hunker down until there’s a change in government.
PNG progresses first carbon project since moratorium lifted
The Papua New Guinea government has approved the first carbon project in the country aligned with its new market system, it said.
Korean carbon project developer names new CEO to scale climate finance
A Seoul-headquartered carbon trader and project developer has appointed a new CEO, with plans to expand its presence in the international voluntary carbon market.
Wider EAF adoption can drive down China’s steel sector emissions by 37% around 2035 from peak, report says
A broader shift to greener electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking will significantly drive down emissions from China’s oversupplied steel sector, while restoring steelmakers’ profitability, a report has argued.
Australia’s carbon market sees buyers pay up for integrity as project risks vary -report
Integrity premiums are emerging in Australia’s carbon market, with higher-quality credits commanding sustained price differences, while project-level risks remain uneven, a recent analysis has found.
Australian gas giant withdraws large CCS project to resubmit under new rules
An Australian oil and gas producer has withdrawn plans for a large carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, it said on Monday.
Investor group warns lack of investable projects slowing Australia’s net zero push
An investor coalition has urged the Australian government to accelerate policy reforms to unlock capital for the energy transition, warning that a shortage of investable projects is now the single biggest barrier to progress.
Asian exchange inks agreement on Brazilian biodiversity credits
Macao International Carbon Emission Exchange (MEX) has partnered with an environmental company to promote the international trade of Brazilian biodiversity credits, in a move that further signals its interest in this emerging market.
BP head of APAC carbon resigns
The head of BP’s Asia Pacific carbon and Australian power origination in Singapore has resigned, they confirmed in a social media post Tuesday.
VOLUNTARY
VCM Report: CORSIA ticks higher and airline retires large tranche of credits
CORSIA prices ticked higher last week, reflecting the market has found a wide trading range either side of $13, and there were signs of airlines readying for compliance take off.
CIX to cease publication of older vintage forestry, cookstove prices
Climate Impact X (CIX) will cease publishing price assessments for older vintage forestry and cookstove projects in the voluntary carbon market, the Singapore-based exchange said Monday.
New soil sampling method could improve accuracy of ERW carbon removal measurement -report
A new soil porewater extraction technique could improve the accuracy and consistency of carbon removal estimates from enhanced rock weathering (ERW), according to a recent study.
Fast fashion retailer receives first permanent removals deliveries, eyes jurisdictional REDD+ credits
A global fast fashion retailer has received its first deliveries of permanent carbon removals (CDR) in 2025 and is preparing to source jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD+) credits, according to its latest sustainability report.
New guide aims to help govts boost clean cooking carbon offering
A new guide that aims to help governments safely test emerging carbon market approaches has launched, as policymakers face growing pressure to unlock climate finance while maintaining market integrity.
INTERNATIONAL
FEATURE: Middle East crisis boosts the case for renewables, yet some are already doubling down on fossil fuels
The global energy shock is bolstering the business and security case for renewables and electrification even more than previous crises – yet there is still concern that some politicians will double down on speedier fossil fuel alternatives to quell higher costs of living.
Carbon capture continues its upward momentum, on track to hit 430 Mt by 2035, says IEA
Carbon capture capacity globally that begun operating or construction over the last year was over 10% higher than the preceding one, while storage capacity increased by around 25%, according to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest update.
DATA DIVE: Oil and gas, mining net zero strategies hinge on emissions cuts, not production change
Major oil and gas and mining companies are prioritising operational emissions reductions while providing limited clarity on capital allocation and production shifts, according to new data covering companies worth more than $2.8 trillion.
Scientists call for tougher action on methane emissions
A group of scientists have called for tougher action on methane emissions, including better monitoring and reporting, and for more countries to include methane reduction plans within their legally binding climate targets.
Global steel majors have “barely started” transition to net zero, finds new scorecard
None of the world’s major steelmakers are currently ready to transition to near-zero-emissions production, with fresh investments in coal-based blast furnaces and minimal progress on “green iron” leaving the sector far off a Paris-aligned pathway, according to a new assessment released Tuesday.
Physical, ‘paper’ chokepoints create ongoing energy security risks for fossil fuel importers -analysis
Energy supply security remains exposed to a small number of routes, where physical blockages and ‘paper chokepoints’ such as insurance withdrawal can rapidly tighten markets and risk amplifying fossil-based vulnerabilities, concluded new analysis.
COMMENT
Cultivating Integrity First – The Collaboration Behind Soil Carbon’s Market Rise
Four key themes helped move agricultural soil carbon from a nascent category to the high-integrity climate solution that it is today.
—————————————————
EVENTS
North American Carbon World (NACW): Mar. 31-Apr. 2, San Diego – For more than 20 years, NACW has been the must-attend event for market participants looking to gain actionable insights into policy shifts and market trends, network with climate policy and business leaders, and grow and strengthen carbon markets with integrity and ambition. Hosted by the Climate Action Reserve, the 2026 conference will offer a critical forum for meaningful collaboration and timely discussions exploring market innovations in technology, the evolution of standards, the growing role of finance, and foundational topics such as permanence. Register
Carbon Capture MENA Summit: Apr. 1-2, Dubai – The Carbon Capture MENA Summit 2026 (#CCMS2026), taking place in Dubai on 1–2 April 2026, is MENA’s leading CCUS event. Bringing together 500+ industry leaders and 80+ visionary speakers, the summit will focus on fit-for-purpose CCUS policies, decarbonisation applications, breakthrough innovations, carbon markets, and infrastructure development. Together, we’ll accelerate MENA’s leadership in scaling CCUS solutions and shaping a sustainable energy future. Join us to drive the next chapter of CCUS innovation and impact. Find out more
European Climate Summit 2026: Apr. 14-16, Barcelona – To kick off its annual regional Climate Summit series, IETA looks forward to welcoming delegates to the flagship European Climate Summit (ECS) 2026, taking place at Casa Llotja de Mar in Barcelona, Spain. ECS takes place amid a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, even as carbon markets 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 the discussion. ECS provides an excellent opportunity 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
Carbon Removal Investment Summit 2026: May 13, London – The Carbon Removal Investment Summit returns to London on May 13, 2026. cCarbon’s flagship, data- and modelling-driven dialogue brings together 200+ attendees from 160+ organisations, including investors, financiers, buyers, policymakers, developers, and market leaders shaping the carbon removals market. The summit features 40+ expert speakers across 10 curated sessions, along with a private investor conclave for deeper discussions among leading capital providers. The agenda explores where capital is moving, how investment and offtake structures are evolving, and what it will take to move from early momentum to meaningful scale. Early bird rates end Mar. 31 – Register here.
—————————————————
JOB LISTINGS THIS WEEK
- *Environmental Markets Correspondent, Carbon Pulse – Toronto/Vancouver
- *Asia-Pacific Environmental Markets Correspondent, Carbon Pulse – Remote
*Premium listings
See all listings or post a job
—————————————————
ADVERTISE WITH US
Check out our 2026 Advertising Brochure & Media Pack, featuring updated offerings and prices. Bookings are open! The pack presents an overview of our content, products, and readership, as well as full details of our website and newsletter advertising opportunities.
Got a tip? How about some feedback? Email us at [email protected]
