FEATURE: Climate finance, not offsets, increasingly seen as a nature-based solution as critics persist
With nature-based credits valued at a growing price premium to other types of carbon offsets, scrutiny over the process is also on the rise, with even forest protection standards that are said to be raising the bar on quality finding criticism for lacking environmental integrity.
Read MoreEU lawmakers seek changes to CO2 border measures that could ease impact on US emitters
The European Parliament’s cross-party trade committee is seeking changes to the EU’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that could substantially lower costs faced by US emitters, according to a draft report published this week.
Read MoreCampaigners cheer small victory for Arctic at UN’s shipping climate talks
A voluntary measure to reduce shipping’s black carbon emissions in the Arctic was adopted at the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) negotiations on Friday, a move welcomed by green groups as a modest step while other climate decisions for the sector were deferred.
Read MoreANALYSIS: Switzerland touts model for international emissions trade, voluntary market
Switzerland sealed its fifth and sixth bilateral crediting agreements on the sidelines of the Glasgow UN climate talks this month, touting the deals as a model of Paris Agreement-era emissions trade for countries as well as for companies in the voluntary carbon market.
Read MoreIMO climate talks slog along with another blockade to climate action, this time on black carbon
Climate progress under the UN’s International Maritime Organisation (IMO) faced another roadblock Thursday, as a handful of countries moved to block a resolution to reduce black carbon emissions in the Arctic – even though these were voluntary, non-binding measures.
Read MoreANALYSIS: US-led release of oil reserves defies carbon pricing push
The US-led release of millions of barrels of oil from strategic reserves by major consumer nations this week goes in the opposite direction to what climate experts say will help shift the world off fossil fuels.
Read MoreSeveral nations baulk at 2050 net zero shipping goal as IMO talks resume
Several countries attempted to block efforts to raise the shipping sector’s emissions target to a 2050 net zero goal on Monday, as week-long talks begin at the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Read MoreANALYSIS: REDD faces longer road to Paris era crediting after Glasgow talks setback
Efforts to develop REDD+ forest protection carbon credits in the Paris Agreement era risk a long road ahead, as divisive views marked the Glasgow COP26 climate summit.
Read MoreANALYSIS: Glasgow could be a ‘game-changer’ for fossil fuel subsidies
Language on fossil fuel subsidy reform in the decision of the COP26 UN climate conference was dismissed by some as another empty promise, but others believe it could pave the way for drastic cuts in government support for oil, gas, and coal.
Read MoreSwiss-EU ETS allowance transfer calendar for 2022 published
The EU and Switzerland have published the ETS allowance transfer window schedule for 2022, providing 28 one-day opportunities for units to flow between the linked carbon markets.
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