This Week in Carbon

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, Rene Velasquez sits down with Eu-Lin Fang, Sustainability and Climate Change Practice Leader at PwC Singapore. They discuss the surprising momentum of net zero targets set during the COVID pandemic, the real-world challenges companies face in meeting 2030 science-based targets, and how decarbonization must be tackled alongside physical and transition climate risks. Eu-Lin shares practical insights on Scope 3 emissions complexities in Asian supply chains, the power of policy certainty for corporate action, and the role of credible transition plans and regional taxonomies in unlocking sustainable finance. The conversation also covers geopolitical distractions and surging energy prices, the double-edged impact of AI on emissions versus climate solutions, and an optimistic outlook framed by Asia-Pacific’s four Cs: courage, caliber, creation, and connectivity.Takeaways- Many countries showed strong leadership by committing to net zero targets during the height of COVID.- Approximately 145 countries have set net zero targets, covering around 77% of global emissions.- Policy certainty is essential for companies to make confident long-term capital decisions on climate action.- Decarbonization efforts and climate risks must be viewed together, not in isolation.- Scope 3 emissions are critically important but face major data quality, measurement, and double-counting issues.- Business resilience and fiduciary duty matter more than short-term political shifts.- Credible climate transition plans are a key litmus test for financial institutions providing transition finance.- Singapore’s Asia Taxonomy provides a pragmatic regional approach to green and transitioning activities.- AI brings both significant energy demands and powerful opportunities to solve complex climate problems.- Asia-Pacific’s transition can be powered by courage, caliber, creation, and connectivity.With strong buyer interest already shown through ambitious net zero commitments covering 77% of global emissions, this episode sits at the centre of the carbon market’s shift toward credible transition plans, real-world implementation challenges, and pragmatic climate leadership in Asia.Perfect for anyone interested in decarbonization realities, Scope 3 supply chains, sustainable finance, and Asia-Pacific’s path forward. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

In our new episode of This Week in Carbon, Rene Velasquez is joined by Yvan Champagne, Co-Founder and Chief Carbon Officer at Carbon AI. He is a leading expert in carbon markets with over 20 years of experience in greenhouse gas project development and high-integrity environmental commodities. This info-dense episode provides an in-depth masterclass on building trustworthy carbon credits through advanced digital MRV technology, the critical importance of data quality, and the paradigm shift needed to scale the market to gigaton levels. This episode delivers the clearest take on how to move carbon markets from analog, paper-based processes to robust, auditable digital infrastructure.Key Topics• Why high-quality data is the foundation of synthetic commodities like carbon credits — and why poor data creates poor instruments• How Carbon AI’s DMRV platform (Proof, Field, and Vue) goes beyond a digital twin to actually generate and verify high-integrity credits• The bottlenecks in verification and issuance — and how immutable data can increase throughput without compromising integrity• The powerful concept of Time Value of Carbon: why avoiding emissions today (especially methane) has disproportionately higher climate impact than future removals• Shifting carbon markets from an “art market” to professional, scalable infrastructure capable of delivering gigaton-scale results• Innovation from the Global South and building a more efficient, transparent carbon 3.0 future Whether you’re a project developer, corporate buyer, verifier, registry professional, or investor looking to understand the future of high-quality carbon credits, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and practical takeaways. If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone navigating carbon markets in 2026! #CarbonMarkets #CarbonCredits #DMRV #ClimateTech #VoluntaryCarbonMarket #Methane #TimeValueOfCarbon #NetZero #CarbonAI #Sustainability #DigitalMRV

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith sits down with Rueban Manokara from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to break down the future of carbon markets, carbon finance, and global climate policy.If you want to understand how carbon markets actually work, what’s happening with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and why blue carbon projects (like mangroves) are gaining massive global attention, this episode is for you.We dive into the role of carbon standards, the challenges of market integrity, and how organizations like WWF are shaping the future of carbon pricing systems and nature-based solutions.🚨 Key topics covered:- What is carbon finance and how does it work?- The role of standards in voluntary carbon markets- Article 6 explained (carbon trading under the Paris Agreement)- Why blue carbon projects are in high demand right now- The future of carbon pricing and climate markets- How WWF approaches carbon markets and real-world decarbonization🌍 Whether you're in climate tech, sustainability, ESG, carbon credits, or Web3 climate solutions, this conversation will give you valuable insights into where the market is heading.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more deep dives into the global carbon economy.#CarbonMarkets #CarbonCredits #ClimateChange #Sustainability #ESG #Article6 #BlueCarbon #NatureBasedSolutions #ClimateFinance #WWF

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, Rene Velasquez sits down to discuss with Stephanie Russo, Managing Director at Pollination. They delve into the complexities of carbon markets, focusing on the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) market and the Corsia framework. They discuss the evolution of these markets, the dynamics of supply and demand, and the political risks associated with compliance mechanisms. The conversation also touches on the role of insurance, project developers, and financial institutions in navigating these markets, as well as the implications of sovereignty and the intersection of Article 6 and Corsia. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of carbon markets and the importance of policy certainty.Takeaways- Australia's carbon market has evolved through various phases.The ACCU market is now predominantly driven by compliance demand.- Political stability is crucial for the durability of carbon policies.- Corsia faces challenges with supply and demand dynamics.- Insurance plays a key role in managing risks in carbon markets.- Project developers are essential for unlocking carbon credit supply.- Conditions precedent in contracts are critical for airlines.- Sovereignty impacts how countries engage in carbon markets.- The intersection of Article 6 and Corsia is complex and evolving.- Future success in carbon markets depends on clear policy frameworks.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and co-host Rene Velasquez sit down with Charles Bedford, Chief Impact Officer at Carbon Growth Partners (CGP). They discuss various aspects of carbon markets, including the recent collapse of Cocoa Networks and its implications for the industry. They explore the importance of permanence mechanisms in nature-based solutions and the complexities of measuring biodiversity credits. The dialogue also touches on the contrasting perspectives of the Global North and South regarding carbon markets, with a particular focus on China's emerging role as a significant player in the global carbon landscape. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of carbon markets and the need for clear regulatory frameworks to support their growth.TakeawaysCocoa Networks' collapse highlights the fragility of carbon markets.The demand for carbon credits is still significant despite setbacks.Permanence mechanisms are crucial for the success of nature-based solutions.Biodiversity credits are complex and localized, differing from carbon credits.The Global North often misunderstands the needs of the Global South.China is emerging as a significant player in global carbon markets.Investment in the Global South is essential for climate solutions.Regulatory frameworks need to evolve to support carbon markets.The intersection of insurance and buffer pools can enhance project viability.Future success in carbon markets depends on clear pathways and demand signals.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and regular guest Rene Velasquez sit down with Alexia Kelly. Alexia shares her extensive journey in the field of carbon markets, discussing her experiences in both public and private sectors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of carbon markets, the role of the ICVCM in establishing standards, and the future of global carbon markets, particularly in relation to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities within the carbon market landscape, including the need for better communication and the significance of voluntary actions in driving climate initiatives.Key Takeaways:Alexia's journey in environmentalism began in her childhood during the timber wars.She emphasizes the importance of working in both public and private sectors for a well-rounded perspective.The carbon market is evolving, with significant changes in standards and methodologies.Communication in the environmental space needs to be simplified for broader understanding.The ICVCM is crucial for establishing quality standards in carbon markets.Voluntary actions can lead to significant innovations in climate policy.The future of carbon markets is promising, especially with the upcoming compliance markets.Investment in capacity building is essential for developing countries to engage in carbon markets.The complexity of carbon markets presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.A portfolio approach to carbon credits can enhance the effectiveness of climate action.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Context of Carbon Markets01:24 Alexia's Career Journey in Climate and Sustainability09:32 Insights from Corporate Carbon Buying at Netflix20:34 The Role of ICVCM in Carbon Market Integrity27:01 Emergence of Robust Methodologies in Carbon Markets28:13 Market Dynamics and Quality Standards30:24 Article 6 and International Cooperation32:50 Challenges in Implementing Article 638:38 The Role of Voluntary Markets41:16 Future of Global Carbon Markets45:32 Building a Verified Carbon Market Coalition49:01 The Path to Net Zero and Market Integration

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and regular guest Rene Velasquez sit down with Marc Stuart, founding managing partner of Allotrope Partners. He shares his extensive journey in the carbon markets, beginning in 1993 and leading to the founding of EcoSecurities. He discusses the evolution of carbon markets, the challenges faced during boom and bust cycles, and the intersection of compliance and voluntary markets. Marc emphasizes the importance of decarbonizing supply chains for corporates and the role of storytelling in the voluntary market. He also highlights the potential of digitalization and AI in improving efficiency in carbon credit issuance, while acknowledging the complexities of agriculture in decarbonization efforts.Key takeaways:• Marc Stuart's journey in carbon markets began in 1993 during his PhD.• EcoSecurities was founded to create a third-party certification system for carbon credits.• The carbon market has experienced significant boom and bust cycles due to supply and demand imbalances.• Compliance markets are evolving, and there's a growing intersection with voluntary markets.• The future of carbon markets will depend on consistent demand signals and innovative financial instruments.• Decarbonizing supply chains is crucial for large corporates in the current market.• The role of third-party ratings in carbon projects is complex and evolving.• Digitalization and AI are expected to improve efficiency in carbon credit issuance.• The agriculture sector presents unique challenges for decarbonization efforts.• The importance of storytelling in the voluntary carbon market cannot be underestimated.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Robert Höglund, manager of the Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund, co-founder of CDR.fyi, and policy advisor on carbon removal (including SBTi and EU expert groups).Robert brings deep expertise from his NGO background to managing one of the most catalytic corporate climate funds, sharing candid insights on scaling impact across durable CDR, decarbonization, and nature protection.We discuss: • Robert’s journey: From Oxfam climate policy to co-founding CDR.fyi and leading Milkywire’s fund • Milkywire Climate Transformation Fund: $17M+ allocated across 60+ projects, catalytic pre-purchases, and internal carbon fees • 2025 CDR trends: VC slowdown, concentrated buyers (Microsoft dominance), and the gap between needed scale and financing reality • Corporate demand dynamics: Push for near-term operational net-zero, scope 1-2 incentives, and why long-term arguments fall flat with CFOs • Removals vs. reductions debate: Durable CDR for willful fossil continuation (e.g., aviation), cost-effectiveness of avoidance/nature, and balanced portfolios • SBTi net-zero draft critique: Steps forward on beyond-value-chain mitigation but delays and weakening of durable CDR requirements • EU 2040 target & policy signals: Massive potential demand via international credits, buyers club prospects, and risks of delayed supply • Outlook & incentives: Tough years ahead for durable CDR, the need for labels/claims restoration, and barriers that must fall to avoid lost momentum Essential listening for anyone shaping corporate climate strategy or tracking carbon removal markets—this episode cuts through the hype with pragmatic analysis and forward-looking views.

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Rene Velasquez (filling in for Edward over Thanksgiving) is joined by Naomi Chloe Swickard – a 20-year veteran of the carbon and conservation space, former leader of Verra’s REDD+ program, architect of the world’s first jurisdictional REDD+ framework, and key contributor to the new consolidated VM0048 methodology. Naomi delivers a candid, insider masterclass on where forests and carbon markets actually stand at the end of 2025, why progress is happening outside COP, and what it will really take to scale high-integrity nature-based solutions.We discuss:• Naomi’s unexpected entry into the market (a chance meeting at a bar in Thailand) and two decades shaping REDD+• COP Berlin (“the Forest COP”) debrief: symbolic wins, missed opportunities, and why the real action is now beyond the UNFCCC• The capitalism paradox: growth vs. climate, tragedy of the commons, and the lack of enforcement teeth• REDD+ evolution: from VM0007 to VM0048, jurisdictional nesting, risk-map allocation, and the first issuances finally landing• Market reality check: delayed supply, ICVCM approval, green-hushing, and quiet rebuilding of demand• Project vs. jurisdictional REDD: why both are essential and must co-exist indefinitely• The permanence debate, the integrity-vs-scale trap, and why “perfect” is preventing near-term climate impact• Standing-forest protection vs. the removals renaissance: where capital is flowing and where it’s still missing• Clarity gaps: SBTI’s new guidance, Article 6.2 momentum, debt-for-nature swaps, and emerging financing models• 2026–2030 outlook: jurisdictional acceleration, blue carbon & peatlands, contribution claims, and the turbulent road to a workable, scalable market

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith is joined by Melissa Lindsay, Founder & CEO of Emstream and Emsurge, a veteran with over a decade broking LNG and building trading platforms. Melissa shares her journey from LNG’s infancy to pioneering wholesale infrastructure for carbon markets, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping liquidity and market maturity.We discuss: • Melissa’s career path: From Global head of LNG at Tullett Prebon to launching Emsurge and pivoting into carbon amid COVID • LNG-carbon parallels: Physical-to-financial evolution, index-linked pricing, and off-take structures • Market dynamics: Oversupply vs. demand, “art market” pricing, vintage decay, and charismatic credit trends • Infrastructure innovation: Hybrid platform with real-time bids/offers, broker facilitation, and agnostic settlement • Tech partnerships: Calyx/Sylvera ratings filters, automated KYC, and front-end marketplaces for Africa • Article 6 operationalization: Host-country LOAs, corresponding adjustments, and non-NDC project vacuums • CBAM catalysis: Upstream carbon taxes in Africa/Asia and protectionism’s rise • 2030 outlook: M&A consolidation, CORSIA/J-REDD dominance, futures indices, and AI-driven DMRV-to-marketplace

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, hosts Edward Smith and Rene Velasquez are joined by Alfredo Nicastro, Global Head of Carbon Solutions at StoneX, a veteran with over 20 years in climate finance and carbon markets. Alfredo shares his journey from a civil and environmental engineer in Brazil to a leader in global carbon solutions, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping decarbonization and market evolution.We discuss: Alfredo’s career path: From Brazil’s hydropower and waste management to shaping carbon markets at StoneX Decarbonizing supply chains: Growing buyer pressure for carbon-neutral commodities like cotton and clothing Insetting vs. offsetting: Why agriculture and metals lean toward insetting, with offsets for residual emissions Carbon pricing evolution: From 10 instruments in 2005 to 80 covering 28% of global emissions in 2025 Policy insights: Chile’s carbon tax model, the need for price transparency, and risks of fragmented regulations Article 6 progress: Optimism for 6.2 bilateral agreements and hopes for 6.4 clarity at COP30 Climate urgency: Breaching 1.5°C early, AI-driven energy demands, and the need for tech-based solutions like methane capture Market maturity: Portfolio-based risk management, ratings, insurance, and CORSIA’s looming supply short squeeze

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and co-host Rene Velasquez are joined by Sebastian Manhart, Senior Policy Advisor at Carbon Future and co-host of the CDR Policy Scoop podcast, to explore the rapidly evolving world of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR). Sebastian shares his journey from social entrepreneurship to advising Angela Merkel’s chancellery, highlighting Carbon Future’s mission to build trust infrastructure for a scalable CDR market through robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV). The discussion dives into record-breaking CDR market growth, Europe’s delayed climate targets, and groundbreaking national policies, offering a deep dive into the numbers, politics, and future of CDR. We discuss:• The CDR market’s historic Q2 2025, driven by Microsoft’s mega-deals and growing corporate demand• Risks of market concentration and the need for compliance markets to ensure long-term stability• Europe’s 2040 climate target delays and the significant role of international offsets under Article 6• The UK’s 15-year Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and Germany’s €500M CDR investment by 2033• Overcoming environmentalist skepticism and the mainstreaming of CDR as a critical climate solution

In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith engages in a compelling discussion with Phoebe Scott from Climate Asset Management (CAM) about the evolving landscape of natural capital and carbon markets. Edward explores Phoebe’s expertise in climate finance and her leadership in fostering inclusivity in the industry.Key Highlights:• Phoebe’s journey from investment banking to CAM, driven by a passion for ESG and natural capital investing.• CAM’s dual strategies: a nature-based carbon strategy generating credits in the Global South and a natural capital strategy focusing on agriculture and forestry in the Global North.• The role of blended finance in de-risking projects to attract institutional capital and scale nature-based solutions.• The rapid growth of Women in Carbon, a global initiative co-founded by Phoebe, now spanning over 10 chapters worldwide.Topics Discussed:• The challenges of scaling natural capital as an institutional asset class, including market fragmentation and liquidity issues.• How carbon markets enhance the bankability of nature-based projects by diversifying revenue streams and mitigating climate risks.• The importance of voluntary market initiatives like ICBCM and VCMI in building trust and ensuring credit and claim integrity.• The impact of Women in Carbon in empowering women through networking, knowledge sharing, and global community-building.Join us to discover how CAM is seeking to drive institutional capital into natural solutions and how Phoebe’s leadership is shaping a more inclusive carbon industry.