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
TOP STORY
ANALYSIS: US withdrawal from Paris Agreement may create Article 6, CORSIA headaches
The impending US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement could influence the supply and demand dynamics under the CORSIA international aviation offsetting scheme, progress towards the launch of the new Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), as well as the 2028 Article 6 review — although widespread uncertainty still clouds the overall outlook under the new Trump administration.
EMEA
EU-funded study makes new projections on carbon removals potential
European supply of CO2 removal (CDR) technology has the potential to reach 30 million tonnes of CO2 per year in 2035, according to an EU-funded study released this week, which also includes cost projections for the next decade.
EU CBAM could cost Northern Ireland up to £200 mln per year -report
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may be costly and disruptive for Northern Ireland, requiring payments of up to £200 million a year — unless the bloc and UK decide to link their emissions trading schemes, a new report warned on Wednesday.
Weaker gas influence on carbon, mild industrial recovery expected in Europe -analysts
The alignment of European carbon with natural gas could weaken in 2025, while speculators should support bullish EUA price development, according to an energy markets outlook published on Wednesday.
Switzerland sets new NDC with 65% emissions reduction, rejects climate fund initiative
Switzerland has approved a new emissions reduction target under the Paris Agreement, which has been criticised for not going far enough and relying too much on international carbon credits, while the government has also rejected a proposed new climate fund.
EU climate goals are “cast in stone” but implementation must be more flexible, von der Leyen says
The EU will “stay the course on climate targets” but employ a more flexible method to get there, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday during the presentation of the executive’s new ‘Competitiveness Compass’ meant to guide Brussels policymaking in the next five years.
UK clears Heathrow expansion for take-off, promises plans will stick to carbon budgets
The UK government threw its weight behind the controversial expansion of Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, going against recommendations from its independent advisor on how to stick to the country’s legally binding carbon budgets, with any emissions impact to fall within the scope of the country’s carbon market and operators’ CORSIA obligations.
UK initiative launches new corporate net zero certification programme
A UK-based company has launched a new four-tier certification programme to that assesses the net zero plans of organisations under a membership model.
Investigation reveals plastic producers lobbying for free EU ETS allowances
The European chemical industry, led by major plastic producers, has been pushing back on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), claiming that carbon policies threaten their survival in Europe and will drive investment and jobs overseas, according to leaked documents.
Germany’s industrial powerhouse has strong potential for low-cost CDR -report
Residual emissions across Germany will amount to at least 55 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2045, with strong potential for relatively inexpensive CO2 removal from industry in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, according to a new report.
German startup raises €10 mln to advance forest MRV for carbon credits
A Munich-based company has secured €10 million in Series A funding to expand its operations across Europe and improve its platform for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of forest carbon projects, the company announced on Wednesday.
Russia needs $25/t carbon price to sprout afforestation, say academics
Russia will need a jurisdictional price of between $20-25 per credit to see significant growth in afforestation, more than double the levy set under the pilot Sakhalin scheme, according to a new academic paper.
Kenya finalises €60 mln debt-for-climate swap with Germany, Cape Verde sees extension
Kenya on Tuesday announced the conclusion of a debt-for-climate swap deal that will see the East African country develop more clean geothermal energy capacity, settling a €60 million debt owed to Germany.
Euro Markets: EUAs maintain upward momentum to new 15-month high as investors build more length
European carbon allowance prices rose to new 15-month highs on Wednesday, boosted by stronger power and gas prices and continued speculator buying, supported by a weekly Commitment of Traders report that showed investment funds had again increased their long position to the most in more than three years.
AMERICAS
Carbon project financier reports significant setbacks at US reforestation project
A Toronto-based carbon project financier on Monday announced that one of its reforestation projects in the US has experienced significant setbacks, with tree mortality rates exceeding expectations and slower than anticipated growth among surviving seedlings.
US budget office reverts memo on federal funding freeze
The White House budget office on Wednesday withdrew its memo on the federal funding pause after a judge issued a stay on the order the previous day, but clarified that President Donald Trump’s executive orders (EOs) on spending freeze have not been scrapped.
US wholesale power prices to rise in 2025 –report
A new forecast by a federal US energy agency projects an increase in wholesale power prices in 2025 across most of the regional grids, with affordability emerging as a central issue in North American carbon market states through ongoing rulemaking.
US Republican House bill seeks to nix biofuels tax credit
A new House bill would eliminate one of the tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act relating to clean fuel production.
ARB bi-weekly offset issuance cycle passes without new additions
California issued no new compliance-grade offsets for the second bi-weekly distribution of the year, data published by the state regulator ARB Wednesday showed.
New York state senator introduces emissions disclosure bill
A New York state senator is giving another go at legislation that would require businesses to disclose their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
Canadian government invests $13.5 mln in seven Alberta CCUS projects
A federal funding announcement of $13.5 mln will be invested in seven carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) projects across Calgary and Edmonton.
Canadian university launches guide to financial reporting on natural assets
A Canadian university is outlining how local governments of all sizes can write nature into their financial reporting, as environmental assets are increasingly recognized as valuable infrastructure.
Brazilian pulp supplier partners with AI firm for carbon monitoring
A Brazil-based pulp producer on Monday announced it has partnered with an AI-driven geospatial intelligence provider to improve carbon measurement, forest certification, and supply chain oversight.
UPDATE – BRIEFING: Experts warn of double, triple counting in California CDR
(Updated with comments from Occidental spokesman) – California’s accounting practices for emissions reductions and carbon removal claims have come under fire from experts, who point to loopholes opening the door to double and even triple counting.
ASIA PACIFIC
Tokyo trading houses’ Asian gas focus wrong footed -report
Japan’s giant trading houses are lagging in the global move to decarbonise and risk harming regional climate goals and stranding Asian nations with fossil fuel assets that may become obsolete at best or lock in long term emissions at worst, a paper released Wednesday found.
Indian state constitutes committee to explore carbon markets, albeit with cynicism
The government of Himachal Pradesh in India has formed a carbon market committee with an aim to analyse whether carbon offset projects are suitable for the state or not, a state official told Carbon Pulse.
Japanese cement maker invests $5 mln in Australian decarbonisation firm
A Japanese cement maker on Wednesday announced an investment of $5 million in an Australian decarbonisation firm to help it scale up its mineral carbonation technology.
APAC carbon credit provider appoints new CEO
An Asia Pacific carbon credit provider has appointed a new CEO, with the current chief moving to a new role as the company expands its project development work, the developer announced Thursday.
Japanese developer launches rice project in Thailand to generate credits
A Japanese project developer plans to convert half of Thailand’s rice paddies to a water-saving cultivation method that it claims could slash the country’s agricultural emissions and provide additional income to its farmers.
INTERNATIONAL
One-third of largest food companies fail to disclose fertiliser environmental risks -report
Analysis of 45 of the world’s largest food companies, worth a combined $2.6 trillion, has found that one-third fail to acknowledge the significant environmental and financial risks of fertiliser use, according to a report by a think tank published Wednesday.
Ecuador inks $30 mln J-REDD deal with international carbon buyers’ club
Ecuador’s environment ministry on Wednesday signed a deal with a public and private sector carbon credit buyers’ club to obtain at least $30 million in results-based payments from jurisdictional REDD+ (J-REDD) emissions reductions.
VOLUNTARY
South Pole unveils new advisory board to guide revamp
Large carbon asset developer and consultancy South Pole has announced a new strategic advisory board to help it usher in a new era with a focus on removals and Article 6 markets.
Verra says safeguards requirements are improving, but more work needed
Standard-setter Verra said on Wednesday there is still work to be done to improve its requirements on safeguards in carbon projects, despite carrying out significant work in the area over the past year.
Decision on flagship EU BECCS plant hinges on green claims law outcome
A final investment decision on the EU’s first power plant running on bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) is being delayed until legislators reach agreement on the EU’s Green Claims Directive to secure funding from the sale of carbon credits, the company has said.
Emerging methane removal technologies modelled on CDR face feasibility and cost hurdles -report
Efforts to develop technologies that remove methane from the atmosphere, building on methods used in carbon removal (CDR) and carbon capture, remain in early research stages, with significant technical and economic barriers limiting their near-term viability, according to a recent report.
Global soy standard launches regenerative incentives project to quantify carbon impact
An international soy certification body on Monday launched a regenerative incentives mechanism to measure the carbon impact of regenerative agriculture, along with its effects on soil health, water quality, and biodiversity.
Initiative publishes voluntary carbon guidance for private market participants
An initiative has published a new guide on the voluntary carbon market (VCM) to help private market participants achieve net zero goals and avoid greenwashing when engaging with the sector.
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.
US nature intelligence firm unveils biodiversity risk assessment tool
A US-based nature intelligence company has launched a platform aimed at enabling companies to assess their nature-related risks and opportunities, in line with major corporate reporting frameworks.
WEF, global consulting firm release guidance on biodiversity credit metrics
The World Economic Forum (WEF) and a global consulting firm have released a paper to help the private sector navigate nature metrics in the emerging biodiversity credit market, while investigating how these align with disclosure frameworks.
—————————————————
EVENTS
India Climate Week – Feb. 3-7, New Delhi – Carbon Markets Association of India (CMAI) is launching India Climate Week at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and climate action advocates to discuss carbon markets, green technologies, and India’s Net Zero path. Highlights include panel discussions on emerging climate trends, a two-day certification workshop on carbon markets by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), the launch of India SAF and EPR Alliance, and field visits to CBG and Article 6 technologies. The event will feature Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, and Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, Hon’ble Union Minister of Power. Register here.
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 solu
tions. www.nacwconference.com
—————————————————
Premium job listings
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
INTERNATIONAL
CEO exodus – A record number of CEOs left their roles last year as activist investors grew impatient for results and AI advances disrupted some of the world’s biggest companies. Some 202 bosses of some of the world’s largest listed companies left last year — up 9% from 2023, according to Headhunter Russell Reynolds Associates, which tracked CEO turnover across 13 global stock market indices. Of those exits, 43 individuals departed within 36 months of taking up the job — the highest number since 2018, with tech companies facing the highest turnover rates, partly due to major disruption driven by AI. Bosses doing battle with shareholders include those from HSBC, CVS Health, and Intel. The CEO role is becoming less attractive as pressure grows and scrutiny on them tightens, with the vast majority of incoming CEOs last year being ‘step-up’ candidates, coming from roles such as chief operating officer, and many outgoing chiefs not keen to take on the job elsewhere. More leaders were promoted from within their company last year — making up up 73% of all incoming CEOs — a figure above the six-year average of 69%. (FT)
EMEA
Carbon price panic – Steel, glass, and chemical makers have warned they will be driven out of business under projections that emissions levies under the UK ETS will almost triple by 2030, as laid out in a report by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) in November. In a letter to ministers, the Energy Intensive Users Group wrote businesses “will not be able to bear these costs” without significant technology breakthroughs and changes to the emissions regime. Urgent action and more funding is needed to develop carbon storage schemes and for hydrogen infrastructure to avoid further de-industrialisation, they said. Manufacturers complain they often have to pay carbon costs twice over as electricity producers tend to pass them on to consumers through gas and power prices. British firms also battle the highest industrial electricity prices in the developed world, according to the IEA. The Neso report assumed that the basic carbon price would rise to £147/t by 2030 while the floor would be increased to £25/t – taking the total to £172/t. UKAs are trading currently at just over £40/t, about half that of allowances on the EU ETS. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said he does not endorse the Neso forecasts, saying the goal for 95% clean power by 2030 can be met in a way that is good for business. (Yahoo)
Drax flak – British PM Keir Starmer has stated he will review a report accusing Drax power station of illegally claiming government subsidies. The North Yorkshire plant receives millions in subsidies and tax breaks, funded by energy bill payers due to biomass being classified as renewable energy. However, biomass as a clean energy source remains contentious, with calls to end financial support. Independent MP Rosie Duffield urged Starmer to examine a KPMG report before allocating further public funds to Drax. She claimed the company had received £7 bln in subsidies since 2012 for burning 27 mln trees annually. In response, Starmer said the report would be reviewed but distanced himself from Duffield’s characterisation. Meanwhile, climate protestors interrupted a speech by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, criticising subsidies for Drax before being removed from the event. Drax defended itself, stating that Ofgem found no evidence of non-compliance with sustainability criteria and that the KPMG report did not conclude the subsidies were claimed illegally. The company maintained that biomass provides reliable renewable power, with scientific backing from climate experts. (PA Media)
North Sea transition – Cooperation on the North Seas came top of the agenda for UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy’s first visit to Brussels on Tuesday, when she delivered a keynote speech to European leaders at the European Energy Forum. By working together, the UK and the EU can turn the North Seas into the green power plant of Europe and unlock thousands of well-paid, skilled British jobs, including by transitioning across existing oil and gas workers, said McCarthy. Closer cooperation on the clean energy transition in the North Seas could lower bills, create up to 51,000 jobs, and add up to £36 bln to the UK economy, found a report by independent consultants Grant Thorton commissioned by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Unfair burden – Germany’s poorest households are experiencing an unfair financial burden from the energy transition costs related to heating, which are impacting them much more than in other sectors such as transport, according to analysis by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). The country’s progressive carbon pricing system, which is on track to become fully integrated in EU ETS in the coming years, is expected to have the greatest direct financial effects on citizens in the transport and heating sectors. Carbon pricing would most likely aggravate financial inequality in society if no effective balancing mechanisms are adopted, the research found. Adopting the ‘climate bonus’ compensation scheme that the outgoing government failed to implement during its term “could alleviate the situation,” the IfW said, though the scheme alone would be insufficient to include poorer households in the transition. More targeted support programmes would be needed and the infrastructure for the climate-friendly transition provided by the state, it found.
Demand response now – Energy flexibility company Voltalis has announced an investment plan of up to £1 bln by 2030 in the UK energy market, focused on developing up to 5 GW of demand response capacity from residential and commercial buildings — helping 1- 2 million consumers and businesses save on average up to 15% on their electricity usage and supporting the government’s mission for clean energy by 2030. In a statement issued Wednesday, the French company said it “sees the UK as fertile ground for innovation”.
North Seas in Brussels – The UK’s Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy was in Brussels calling for greater UK-EU cooperation in the North Seas to deliver growth and greater energy security. Minister McCarthy said by working together the the UK and EU can turn the North Seas into a green power plant of Europe and unlock thousands of jobs.
ASIA PACIFIC
Partner up – ASX-listed emissions reporting platform developer NoviqTech announced Wednesday it has entered into a strategic partnership with blockchain technology company Evercity. The partnership involves integrating NoviqTech’s Carbon Central platform with Evercity’s specialised solution for tokenisation of information aligned with international standards. It will also see the two companies explore potential projects, sharing technical expertise, and identify market opportunities. The agreement can be terminated by mutual agreement or 30 day’s notice, with NoviqTech saying it is unable to calculate the revenue from the agreement at this time.
Fuelling Exploration – TGS, an energy data company based in Norway, is launching a seismic reprocessing project in India’s gas-rich Krishna-Godavari Basin on the country’s eastern coast. The project aims to enhance existing data from 16,900 square kilometers of 3D surveys to churn out higher resolution images that will help with exploration in the area, which includes about 10,900 square kilometers of open acreage available in India’s upcoming 10th Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bid round blocks. The project starts in Jan. 2025, with results expected by Apr. 2026, and fast-track data available by mid-2025.
J-Blue first – Japan’s BlueArch announced this week it had earned J-Blue Credits via its development of a blue carbon method to survey the storage ability of seaweed beds, using drones and AI. The project was submitted to the Japan Blue Economy Technology Research Association (JBE) by Yokosuka City and the Hayama Eelgrass Association, it said. The project was in fact certified more than two weeks ago but just announced. It said that it is the first time coverage measurement of an underwater blue carbon ecosystem was conducted using underwater drone photography and an AI model in Japan.
KlimaDao offers free consult – Blockchain decarbonisation tech company KlimaDao’s Japan arm has expanded its presence via opening a consulting division and said this week it is offering a free hour of consultation to interested parties. The new consultant company is called the Klima Research Institute (KRI) and will use Web3 technology to help companies meet their climate goals. It said it will “support the realisation of efficient and transparent climate change measures through its unique solution that combines Web3 technology and carbon credits”.
Pure spins gas – Australian bourse-listed Pure Hydrogen has finally announced firm plans to spin out its coal seam gas assets into a new vehicle to be called Eastern Gas that will list on the same bourse via initial public offering (IPO). Like many of its smallcap energy peers on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), Pure announced a pivot into hydrogen several years ago when ESG demands forced most micro-oilers to pick up or develop clean energy projects. While most quietly jettisoned them Pure, the result of a merging of two other Queensland CSG companies, doubled down, promising to make hydrogen from natural gas and use it to fuel the haulage and transport sectors. To date Pure has not made or sold any hydrogen.
Crypto-hydrogen partnership – Cryptocurrency algorithm company Kyoto Transformation Exchange (KTX) announced a partnership with Korean Arstroma Wednesday, according to the Malaysian Reserve. Arstroma develops membranes for carbon sequestration, turning CO2 into ‘blue’ hydrogen. Blue is typically made via splitting natural gas and sequestering the carbon while green is created via splitting water using renewable energy. KTX will tokenise both the latter’s membrane machines and what they produce, which they say might be billions of dollars in future hydrogen production, and the world’s most efficient carbon capture technology.
AMERICAS
Inflicting Payne – Members of two influential advisory committees to the US EPA received an email Tuesday informing them that they had lost their jobs. Acting EPA Administrator James Payne told members of the Science Advisory Board and the Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee that membership of both groups is being “reset”, according to emails seen by NPR. Payne wrote that the agency will update the committees “to ensure that the agency receives scientific advice consistent with its legal obligations to advance our core mission”. A request for nominations to reappoint both committees will be announced in the coming weeks. Both committees are tasked with providing independent advice and summaries of best available science to the EPA administrator.
Zeldin confirmed to lead EPA – The Senate confirmed former Republican congressman Lee Zeldin as the 17th administrator of the US EPA in a 56-42 vote. Zeldin is expected pursue a deregulatory mandate, focusing on expanding domestic energy production and supporting data centres and artificial intelligence industries. Zeldin faces immediate deadlines to review key EPA regulations, including the endangerment finding for greenhouse gases and the social cost of carbon. (Politico)
Fuelling greener flights – DHL Express has signed an agreement with Cosmo Oil Marketing to purchase 7.2 mln litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) annually, beginning in Apr. 2025. The deal marks the first use of locally produced SAF for international express cargo services in Asia and will be supplied by Saffaire Sky Energy. The SAF will be delivered to Central Japan International Airport, expanding DHL’s global SAF network. The initiative supports DHL’s GoGreen Plus programme, which enables customers to offset emissions through sustainable fuel use, and aligns with the company’s broader goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
DeWine delay – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine is asking the EPA to delay implementation of a rule that would allow E15 gasoline, or that blended with 15% ethanol, to be sold year-round across the Midwest. Currently, federal restrictions prevent the sale of E15 fuels during the summer months. The prohibition stems from concerns that E15 vapour can contribute to smog formation during hot summer months. In 2024, however, the EPA issued a final rule that would allow E15 to be sold year-round in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, and South Dakota starting in 2025. DeWine is asking for that to be delayed until the 2026 summer driving season, according to Ethanol Producer Magazine. Simultaneously, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the EPA to consider issuing waivers enabling year-round sales of E15 gasoline.
Eminent domain ban passed – The South Dakota House of Representatives passed HB 1052 by a 49-19 vote that would ban the use of eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines, sending it to the state Senate for further consideration. The bill, introduced by Representative Karla Lems (R), does not prevent carbon pipelines from being built but denies them the power to force landowners into agreements through eminent domain. Proponents argue that carbon pipelines do not meet the public-use criteria for eminent domain, while opponents warn it could negatively impact the state’s ethanol industry. The bill has garnered support following a grassroots campaign and could face a decision from Governor Larry Rhoden (R). (Brookings Register)
See you in court – A legal challenge against California for its climate disclosure rules SB 253 and SB 261, filed by trade group US Chamber of Commerce, will publish a series of key court dates by Apr. 8, according to docket filings. This will include dates for pretrial and trial conferences. The Chamber of Commerce attempted for ruling without trial, but Judge Otis Wright II in Nov. 2024 said that the court requires more information before it can decide on the case.
Shapiro secures savings – Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has reached an agreement with PJM Interconnection to resolve his recent lawsuit and prevent electricity price increases for consumers in 13 states, including Pennsylvania. The agreement lowers PJM’s capacity auction price cap, which was set to rise in Jul. 2025, and is expected to save consumers over $21 bln over the next two years. Shapiro filed the lawsuit in Dec. 2024, arguing that flaws in PJM’s auction system would lead to unnecessary cost increases. The agreement is subject to consultation with PJM members and its Board of Managers, while discussions on long-term energy solutions continue.
Talen’s power fight – Talen Energy has petitioned the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to review the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) decision to reject a power agreement for an Amazon data centre at its Pennsylvania nuclear plant. FERC denied Talen’s request in Dec. 2024, citing concerns that redirecting electricity from the regional grid could disrupt supply and demand. Talen had previously sold Amazon a data centre campus at the site, aiming to supply nearly 1 gigawatt of power. (Reuters).
Partners in power – Engine No. 1, Chevron, and GE Vernova have announced a partnership to develop power solutions for US data centres using domestically produced natural gas. The joint effort aims to build multi-gigawatt co-located power plants and data centres, with an initial target of four gigawatts by 2027. The projects will use GE Vernova’s 7HA natural gas turbines and are planned for the US Southeast, Midwest, and West regions. The initiative seeks to meet growing energy demands without burdening the existing grid, with potential future integration of carbon capture and renewable energy technologies.
Liberal leadership lineup – Six of the seven candidates who submitted their nominations for the Liberal Party leadership race have been approved to run, CBC reported. The approved candidates include former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Nova Scotia MP Jaime Battiste, former government House leader Karina Gould, former Brampton MP Ruby Dhalla, and former Montreal MP Frank Baylis. The approval comes a day after MP Chandra Arya was informed by the party that he would not be allowed to run. Candidates must still be confirmed by Elections Canada, and the leadership race is set to culminate in a vote on Mar. 9.
VOLUNTARY
REDD ratings watch – BeZero Carbon has placed the Katingan REDD project (VCS 1477) in Indonesia, which restores 149,800 hectares of peatland, on ratings watch because a fire management and mitigation report published by the project developer may alter the risk profile. The project has an A rating, meaning it has a high chance of avoiding or removing a tonne of CO2. BeZero’s review will focus on non-permanence and leakage. The ‘A’ rating reflected BeZero’s view that the project faces little risk to additionality because financial barriers make peatland protection unviable without carbon finance. There was also little risk of over-crediting owing to the extensive peat sampling, and little policy risk. The rating was tempered by significant leakage risk due to activity displacement activity displacement and notable non-permanence risk due to fire.
Cookstove efficiency test – A field study by US and African researchers presented at the clean cookstoves conference Ethos 2025 measured cookstove efficiency in 80 households across Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya. The analysis used an uncontrolled cooking efficiency test (UCET) to assess thermal efficiency, fuel consumption, and cooking time. Results showed that traditional wood stoves had an average efficiency of 11.8%, while charcoal stoves reached 22.1%, falling within the UNFCCC baseline range, which was previously set at 10% for wood stoves and 20% for charcoal stoves before being updated to 15% and 25%, respectively. These real-world measurements could improve accuracy in carbon credit calculations and support better cookstove design, according to the scientists. The study, conducted in partnership with local researchers, highlights the need for on-the-ground testing to verify the impact of cleaner cooking solutions.
Net zero BBC – The BBC has published its first ‘Climate Transition Plan’, detailing how it intends to reach net zero by 2050. Initiatives so far include replacing diesel fuel with HVO in generators and production trucks, and replacing refrigeration chillers and gas-fired boilers with heat pumps in its offices, the statement read. Highlights of its first transition plan include moving to low-carbon energy, developing skills and competencies in these areas across the business, and contributing to the media industry’s overall low-carbon transition. Earlier this year, the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved the BBC’s aim to reduce all emissions by at least 90% by 2050, building on its existing near-term targets to halve emissions by 2030.
Puro and simple – Puro.earth has launched a public consultation for its new direct air capture and ocean storage (DACOS) methodology. DACOS combines direct air capture with ocean-based carbon storage, offering CO2 sequestration with over 1,000 years of durability (COR1000+ certified), the standard said. The consultation is open until Feb. 21 and invites feedback from industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to refine the DACOS methodology.
Carbonsafe haven – Bulgarian project developer Carbonsafe has sold its first carbon credits for soil carbon sequestration at a price of €30. The company said in a press release that participants in the initiative will receive payments within days but did not specify the number of credits sold. Carbonsafe’s programme involves soil sampling at multiple depths, with credits tracked and registered on the Balkan Carbon Credits Registry (BCCR). Beyond carbon sales, farmers receive guidance on improving soil health, boosting yields, and reducing input costs, according to the press release. Carbonsafe said it is validating additional credits and expanding farmer participation as interest in soil carbon projects grows in the region.
AND FINALLY…
Airport turns seaport – Flights from Manila’s upcoming new international airport in the Philippines may be grounded within 30 years due to sinking land and rising sea levels driven by climate change, according to a new investigation by non-profit Global Witness. Academic studies estimate that sea levels in Manila are rising by 13-15 mm per year, higher than the 5.3 mm referenced on the project’s website by the company building the airport, which is scheduled to open by 2028. In response to enquiries from Global Witness, the company said the airport’s elevation design was not based on documents published on the project’s website, but on a separate study, which it declined to share. “Who is this sinking airport for? It doesn’t serve the thousands of people who’ve been displaced in its wake, nor does it serve the vital ecosystems destroyed to make way for it,” said Aurelie Skrobik, campaigner at Global Witness. Manila’s new airport is projected to be the world’s third largest when completed.
Got a tip? How about some feedback? Email us at news@carbon-pulse.com
