Climate Carbon

🌳 Chestnut Carbon Raises $160 Million for High-Integrity Forest Carbon Removal 🌍 Chestnut Carbon has secured $160 Million to scale up forest-based carbon removal, tackling one of the biggest challenges in voluntary carbon markets: credibility. Backed by CPP Investments | Investissements RPC (Canada Pension Plan Investment Board) and Cloverlay Investment Management, Chestnut is taking a science-driven approach to planting and restoring forests on degraded farmland. 💰 Biggest Milestone Yet: Just weeks ago, Chestnut inked a deal with Microsoft to provide 7 million tons of carbon removal credits—one of the largest agreements of its kind. With tech giants struggling to meet climate goals amid skyrocketing data center emissions, high-quality carbon removal is more critical than ever. 🔎 What Makes Chestnut Different? - 🚜 Buying land, not just paying farmers – This gives Chestnut more control over afforestation efforts and ensures long-term carbon storage. - 📡 Proprietary tech for carbon tracking – A custom-built device measures how much carbon their projects actually remove. - 🔥 Targeting low-risk, high-growth areas – Over 35,000 acres acquired in 6 states, focusing on regions with rapid tree growth and low fire risk. 🤔 The Challenge: "Leakage"—where farmers sell land but cut down trees elsewhere—remains a risk for nature-based carbon removal. Some experts argue that engineered solutions (like direct air capture) are more durable but are far from commercialization and costly. 📈 What’s Next? Chestnut’s first afforestation credits will be delivered in 2 years, and with estimates that the carbon market could hit $1 Trillion by 2050, the pressure is on for credible, scalable solutions. https://lnkd.in/gJGEcC8p #CarbonRemoval 🌍 #ForestsForClimate 🌳 #SustainableInvesting 💰 #NetZero ♻️ #ClimateTech 🔋 #CarbonMarkets 📈 #NatureBasedSolutions 🌱 #ESGInvesting 🌎 #Microsoft #ChestnutCarbon #ClimateAction 🚀 #CarbonCredits #CarbonOffsets

🚗💸 Europe's Carmakers Face Carbon Credit Crisis 🌍🔋 European carmakers, led by Volkswagen Group, may soon face hefty bills as they scramble to meet EU pollution rules for 2025. With climate regulations tightening, some manufacturers could pay hundreds of millions of euros to Chinese EV makers for carbon credits as an alternative to penalties. 🚙💨 Under EU law, carmakers will be fined €95 ($97.67 US) per car for every gram of CO₂ over the 93.6g/km limit, and many are turning to the "pooling" system to balance emissions. 🌱🔌 🔋 Tesla has already raked in over $2 Billion in the first 9 months of 2024 from selling credits, while other brands like Mercedes-Benz AG are teaming up with Chinese giants such as Polestar and Volvo Group. By pooling emissions, these companies can avoid high fines, but this has sparked controversy. 🌍❗ 🔴 Critics argue that pooling with Chinese firms could weaken Europe's competitiveness as it relies on credits from manufacturers like BYD and MG-SAIC, rather than boosting its own EV sales. 🚘💡 VW, Renault, and others are still weighing their options, with some hoping to meet targets through new EV models and others looking to pool credits. But one thing is clear: the stakes are high for Europe's car industry. 💼⚡ https://lnkd.in/gWCDKYSx #ElectricVehicles #CarbonCredits #Sustainability #EVTransition #EU #ClimateAction #Automotive #Business

🌍🌱 Google Backs India’s Biochar Innovation in Major Carbon-Offset Deal! 🌱🌍 Google 🌐 is making bold strides toward its net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 by partnering with Indian startup Varaha! 💡 The tech giant will purchase 100,000 carbon-removal credits linked to biochar projects across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Kenya. 🚜 What’s biochar? It’s made by heating organic waste (like farm residues) in the absence of oxygen, a process called pyrolysis. 🌾 This innovative solution: - Improves soil health 🌱. - Locks carbon away for 1,000+ years ⏳. - Tackles invasive species like mesquite 🌳 in Gujarat, India. 📈 While this historic deal is a significant milestone, Varaha’s CEO Madhur Jain emphasizes there’s much more to be done: "This contract paves the way for us to serve more buyers in the coming year." 🚀 With support from investors across Japan 🇯🇵, the US 🇺🇸, and Singapore 🇸🇬, Varaha is scaling climate solutions and transforming agricultural practices globally. Together, tech + innovation = a sustainable future 🌎✨! https://lnkd.in/guGeEDhd #CarbonRemoval #Biochar #ClimateAction #Sustainability #India #NetZero #Google #CarbonCredits #CarbonOffsets #Carbon

🌍 Germany's Record-Breaking €18.5 Billion ($19.2 Billion US) in Carbon Trading Revenue 🌿 In 2024, Germany achieved a milestone in its fight against climate change, generating a record €18.5 Billion ($19.2 Billion US) from carbon emissions trading! 🏆 This marks a €100 Million ($103.8 Million US) increase compared to the previous year, reflecting growing momentum in carbon pricing. Key highlights: 📈 21% rise in national emissions trading revenue for heating and transport, reaching €13 Billion ($13.49 Billion US). 💡 Funds are directed to the Climate and Transformation Fund, supporting initiatives like: Building refurbishments 🏠 EV infrastructure expansion 🚗⚡ Industrial decarbonization ⚙️ 🌡️ The national CO2 price increased from €45 ($46.71 US) to €55 ($57.09 US) per ton, encouraging shifts away from fossil fuels. 🇩🇪 Dirk Messner, President of the German Federal Environment Ministry Agency, emphasized the need for a climate bonus to protect vulnerable households as CO2 prices rise. A just transition remains key to balancing economic, environmental, and social goals. Germany's progress highlights how carbon pricing can fuel the green transition 🌱 while addressing energy equity. What are your thoughts on balancing climate goals with social responsibility? 🤔 https://lnkd.in/gbQ9rahk #ClimateAction #CarbonTrading #GreenTransition #CarbonCredits #CarbonOffsets #CarbonMarkets #Carbon #Sustainability

🌍 Fair Pricing for Carbon Credits: A Call for Equity and Action 🌱 At the ongoing UNCCD COP16Riyadh in Riyadh, a critical spotlight has been cast on the disparity in carbon credit pricing. Saudi Arabia is buying carbon credits from Kenya at $8 per ton, a step up from $3 but far below the $80 per ton recommended by The World Bank and World Economic Forum (WEF) for equitable transactions. While Saudi Arabia emphasizes its commitment to partnerships and investments in environmental restoration, WEF Managing Director Gim Huey Neo calls the current pricing model "unfair" to developing nations like Kenya. She highlights that African carbon credits are not of inferior quality compared to those from the Global North, which often fetch $80-$100 per ton. Why does this matter? 🌾 Land Restoration & Biodiversity: Carbon credits can fund activities to reverse land degradation, a vital issue for food security and climate resilience. 🌱 Equity in Climate Action: Developing nations bear the brunt of climate change yet often receive less for their environmental contributions. 📈 Economic Potential: Experts note that every $1 invested in land restoration yields $7-$8 in returns, benefiting ecosystems, communities, and economies. Saudi Arabia’s voluntary carbon market expansion, including its largest-ever auction of 1.4 million tons of carbon credits, reflects a growing commitment to climate finance. However, to achieve a truly sustainable and just global transition to net-zero, the carbon credit market must align with equitable pricing and community-centered practices. Let’s ensure that Africa and other developing regions are not just participants but beneficiaries of the green economy. 🌍💚 https://lnkd.in/gnWXmU36 #ClimateAction #CarbonCredits #Sustainability #NetZero #COP16 #LandRestoration #Equity #CarbonMarkets

🌍 Sindh Sets the Stage for Pakistan’s Entry into Global Carbon Credit Markets! 💰🌱 Sindh has achieved a game-changing milestone by entering the global carbon credit market, earning $40 Million through its Delta Blue Carbon-1 project. This marks Pakistan's first successful foray into leveraging nature-based solutions to address climate change while generating much-needed revenue. ✨ Key Highlights: ✅ Sale of ~3 million tons of CO2 equivalent credits. ✅ A public-private partnership between the Sindh Forest Department (official) and Merlin's Wood Private Limited. ✅ Revenue sharing: $14.747 Million to the government (40%)—a critical boost for a country facing financial and climate vulnerabilities. ✅ Restoration of 100,000+ hectares of mangroves, with an ambitious target of 225,000 hectares by 2030. 🌿 Why It Matters: Mangroves, known as "blue carbon," are among the most efficient carbon sinks. Their restoration not only combats climate change but also protects biodiversity and supports local communities. As demand for high-quality carbon credits rises—prices could jump from $13 to $20 per credit—Pakistan is poised to benefit. 🔎 The Road Ahead: 💡 Transparent reinvestment of revenue to ensure ecological sustainability and community development. 💡 Scaling similar projects across the country to amplify impact. 💡 Marketing Pakistan's potential globally and advocating for a fairer global climate finance system. Sindh's success is a beacon of hope and a call to action for scaling innovative solutions to tackle climate challenges. 🌊💡 https://lnkd.in/gkPgjnuU #ClimateAction #CarbonCredits #Sustainability #BlueCarbon #Pakistan

🌍 **Development Banks Step Up Climate Finance with $120 Billion Pledge!** 🌍  At COP29 Azerbaijan, major multilateral development banks (MDBs) announced a commitment to raise **$120 Billion per year** in climate finance for developing nations by 2030. This pledge aims to help poorer countries **reduce emissions** and **adapt to climate impacts**—yet it’s only a fraction of the trillions needed each year. 🌱💸 **Key points:**  🔹 MDBs highlight the importance of **private sector engagement** to bridge the funding gap. The World Bank President Ajay Banga emphasized the role of MDBs in **de-risking investments** and **facilitating local currency financing** to support these initiatives.  🔹 MDBs’ climate finance has grown sharply—from **$60.9 Billion in 2022** to **$75 Billion in 2023**—with a significant role expected in achieving the new collective target under discussion in Baku.  🔹 Alongside the $120 Billion, MDBs project **$65 Billion in private sector mobilization** for developing nations by the decade’s end.  As these discussions continue, MDBs like the World Bank, African Development Bank Group, and others are calling on **country shareholders to increase contributions** and push for ambitious climate action. 💪🌍 https://lnkd.in/g-MxR85D #ClimateFinance #COP29 #MDBs #WorldBank #ClimateChange

**💸🌍 World Bank Loses Track of $24 Billion in Climate Finance – Accountability Gaps Raise Concerns**  The World Bank, the largest public lender for global climate initiatives, faces sharp criticism after a new report from Oxfam revealed that the bank lost track of $24 Billion to $41 Billion in climate financing between 2017 and 2023. Oxfam found that the actual spending on climate projects often differed by 26% to 43% from the approved budgets, highlighting serious gaps in tracking outcomes.  📉 **What’s the Issue?**  The World Bank’s accounting system tracks financing when projects are approved, not when they’re completed. This creates major inconsistencies in what funds are actually spent—and on what. As Kate Donald from Oxfam explained, it’s like "assessing your diet by looking at your grocery list, without checking what’s in your fridge." 📊 The missing billions represent almost an entire year of the World Bank’s climate lending—it allocated about $43 Billion in 2024. This is crucial since the bank’s climate finance sets the standards for other multilateral development banks (MDBs). Meanwhile, developed countries have struggled to meet their $100 Billion climate finance pledge, further amplifying the need for accountability and transparency.  🔍 **Misuse of Climate Funds**  A recent investigation by Reuters found that some “climate finance” was misallocated to projects like gelato shops, hotels, and coal plants, undermining trust. In 2022 alone, developed nations reported $116 Billion in climate finance, but Oxfam claims up to $88 Billion of that amount may be overstated.  The World Bank defended its standardized methodology but admitted that more focus on project outcomes is needed. “We recognize the importance of tracking not just dollar inputs but also climate impacts,” said a bank representative.  ⚠️ **Why This Matters**  Climate finance plays a pivotal role in limiting global warming, but delays and mismanagement increase long-term costs for everyone. Oxfam is urging the World Bank to offer detailed accounting at every project stage—before approval, during implementation, and post-completion—using standardized metrics and transparent databases accessible to the public.  💼 Americans and other taxpayers who help fund these initiatives deserve greater transparency. Climate finance isn't just about promises on paper; it's about real, impactful solutions to reduce emissions, build resilience, and protect vulnerable communities.  🌱 Without urgent improvements in accountability, the goal of limiting global warming could remain out of reach—and the economic and human costs will only grow.  https://lnkd.in/gGR2MnDU #ClimateFinance #Accountability 🌍 #TransparencyMatters #WorldBank #MDBs #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment

Finally it's about the farmers!!!

**🌍📉 Companies Move Away from Junk Carbon Offsets – But Is a Comeback Looming?**  🔄 **Corporate giants** like Delta Air Lines, Google, and easyJet are **turning their backs** on outdated carbon offsets—marking a shift from cheap credits toward direct emissions reduction efforts. The trend signals a growing awareness that **low-quality offsets tied to renewable energy** (like wind or solar) often **lack environmental impact**. Despite being popular, these offsets have been criticized for offering **little additional value**, as renewable energy is already affordable without them. 📊 A Bloomberg Green analysis shows **2 years of declining offset sales**, with purchases falling sharply in 2023—especially those linked to renewable energy projects, which saw a **29% drop**. However, not all companies are abandoning these offsets. Some, like **Volkswagen, Civitas Resources, and TotalEnergies**, continue their purchases, while **new buyers** such as Grupo Argos and Kobe Yamato are entering the market. 🛑 **Watchdogs and experts** warn that many offsets have become **useless**, with the The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) recently stripping many credits of their Core Carbon Principles label. Yet, **the COP29 Azerbaijan summit** next month might offer these “junk” offsets a **second life**, with discussions on creating a **new United Nations-backed carbon trading system**. 🌐 💼 Some companies are switching strategies: Jet2.com and Jet2holidays is investing in **sustainable aviation fuel** instead of offsets, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. and Delta Air Lines have **stopped offset procurement altogether**. On the other hand, **new registries** like the Global Carbon Council are becoming a **hub for low-quality credits**, raising concerns about accountability and greenwashing.  ❗ “The problem won’t go away unless we enforce **greater accountability** in carbon markets,” warns Danny Cullenward of the Kleinman Center. As companies **shift toward more credible carbon removals**, the battle to clean up carbon markets is far from over. 🌱  🔍 With **fraud risks and regulatory gaps** still present, as shown by Germany’s recent rejection of carbon credits tied to Chinese projects, **project-by-project quality checks** remain essential. Without stronger oversight, the market risks becoming a **game of whack-a-mole**.  ➡️ As we approach **COP29**, all eyes are on how new agreements under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement will shape the **future of carbon markets** and whether they can deliver real climate impact.  https://lnkd.in/gDRYMd4B #CarbonOffsets #ClimateAction #Sustainability 🌿 #NetZero #COP29 #RenewableEnergy #ClimateFinance #Accountability #CarbonCredits #CarbonMarkets #UN