Vivienne Hartwig’s Post

🌲 Why the UN-Operated Carbon Market Will Have a Major Impact on Forests 🌍 As global leaders prepare for COP29 in Baku, the discussion around a UN-operated international carbon credit market is gaining momentum. This initiative could redefine how countries manage their forest resources and trade carbon credits, with significant sustainability and climate action implications. 🔎 What You Need to Know: 1️⃣ Establishing Standards: Negotiators are working to create standardised methodologies for carbon credit trading, which could facilitate a more robust and transparent market. Critical discussions will focus on the methodology for developing projects under the Paris Agreement and the requirements for greenhouse gas removal activities. 2️⃣ Diverging Approaches: The push for a new carbon market has sparked debate between the US and EU regarding its structure. While the US favours a more flexible approach driven by the private sector, the EU advocates for stricter regulations and compliance frameworks to ensure environmental and human rights protections. 3️⃣ Impact on Forest Management: Establishing an international carbon market could significantly influence global forest markets. Concerns exist that the EU's preference for natural restoration projects may exclude plantation forests from the market, potentially disadvantaging countries that have invested heavily in planted forests. 🔗 To explore the details of the upcoming discussions and their potential impact on forests, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g-pCC5p9 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can we ensure that the new UN-operated carbon market supports climate goals and the diverse needs of countries with varying forest management practices? What strategies should be implemented to balance conservation efforts with economic interests? #carbonmarkets #carbon #un #cop28 #cop29 #sustainability #forestry #climate #climateaction #woodcentral #woodcentralau1

🌲 Why the UN-Operated Carbon Market Will Have a Major Impact on Forests 🌍 As global leaders prepare for COP29 in Baku, the discussion around a UN-operated international carbon credit market is gaining momentum. This initiative could redefine how countries manage their forest resources and trade carbon credits, with significant sustainability and climate action implications. 🔎 What You Need to Know: 1️⃣ Establishing Standards: Negotiators are working to create standardised methodologies for carbon credit trading, which could facilitate a more robust and transparent market. Critical discussions will focus on the methodology for developing projects under the Paris Agreement and the requirements for greenhouse gas removal activities. 2️⃣ Diverging Approaches: The push for a new carbon market has sparked debate between the US and EU regarding its structure. While the US favours a more flexible approach driven by the private sector, the EU advocates for stricter regulations and compliance frameworks to ensure environmental and human rights protections. 3️⃣ Impact on Forest Management: Establishing an international carbon market could significantly influence global forest markets. Concerns exist that the EU's preference for natural restoration projects may exclude plantation forests from the market, potentially disadvantaging countries that have invested heavily in planted forests. 🔗 To explore the details of the upcoming discussions and their potential impact on forests, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gW-d9wMG 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can we ensure that the new UN-operated carbon market supports climate goals and the diverse needs of countries with varying forest management practices? What strategies should be implemented to balance conservation efforts with economic interests? #carbonmarkets #carbon #un #cop28 #cop29 #sustainability #forestry #climate #climateaction #woodcentral #woodcentralau1

🌲 Why the UN-Operated Carbon Market Will Have a Major Impact on Forests 🌍 As global leaders prepare for COP29 in Baku, the discussion around a UN-operated international carbon credit market is gaining momentum. This initiative could redefine how countries manage their forest resources and trade carbon credits, with significant sustainability and climate action implications. 🔎 What You Need to Know: 1️⃣ Establishing Standards: Negotiators are working to create standardised methodologies for carbon credit trading, which could facilitate a more robust and transparent market. Critical discussions will focus on the methodology for developing projects under the Paris Agreement and the requirements for greenhouse gas removal activities. 2️⃣ Diverging Approaches: The push for a new carbon market has sparked debate between the US and EU regarding its structure. While the US favours a more flexible approach driven by the private sector, the EU advocates for stricter regulations and compliance frameworks to ensure environmental and human rights protections. 3️⃣ Impact on Forest Management: Establishing an international carbon market could significantly influence global forest markets. Concerns exist that the EU's preference for natural restoration projects may exclude plantation forests from the market, potentially disadvantaging countries that have invested heavily in planted forests. 🔗 To explore the details of the upcoming discussions and their potential impact on forests, read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gqgsF9G8 🗣️ #questionforgroup: How can we ensure that the new UN-operated carbon market supports climate goals and the diverse needs of countries with varying forest management practices? What strategies should be implemented to balance conservation efforts with economic interests? #carbonmarkets #carbon #un #cop28 #cop29 #sustainability #forestry #climate #climateaction #woodcentral #woodcentralau1

🌍 Why the UN-Operated Carbon Market Will Have a Major Impact on Forests ♻️ A pivotal decision made during COP29 Azerbaijan has set the stage for establishing a UN-operated international carbon market, with significant implications for global forest management and carbon trading. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Landmark Agreement: Negotiators at COP29 have officially endorsed the creation of a standardised international carbon credit market, which is expected to be operational as soon as next year. This agreement aims to facilitate carbon trading among countries and companies, supporting their emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. 2️⃣ Article 6 Operationalization: The adoption of Article 6.4 marks a breakthrough after years of discussions, enabling international collaboration on carbon emissions. This framework will allow bilateral carbon trading agreements and a centralised United Nations system for trading carbon offsets, enhancing global participation in carbon markets. 3️⃣ Impact on Forest Markets: Establishing this carbon market could reshape how forests are classified and valued globally. Ongoing debates exist about including plantation forests versus natural restoration projects, particularly as the EU emphasises native forest restoration. At the same time, other regions rely on commercial plantations for their carbon credits. 🗣️#questionforgroup: How can countries ensure that the new UN-operated carbon market supports both sustainability and economic growth in forestry? What measures should be taken to balance the interests of developed and developing nations regarding carbon credits? 🔗 To learn more: https://lnkd.in/gW-d9wMG #carbonmarket #sustainability #forestry #cop #cop29 #parisagreement #climatechange #environment #globalcollaboration #carboncredits #forestmanagement

🌍 Why the UN-Operated Carbon Market Will Have a Major Impact on Forests ♻️ A pivotal decision made during COP29 Azerbaijan has set the stage for establishing a UN-operated international carbon market, with significant implications for global forest management and carbon trading. 🔎 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ Landmark Agreement: Negotiators at COP29 have officially endorsed the creation of a standardised international carbon credit market, which is expected to be operational as soon as next year. This agreement aims to facilitate carbon trading among countries and companies, supporting their emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. 2️⃣ Article 6 Operationalization: The adoption of Article 6.4 marks a breakthrough after years of discussions, enabling international collaboration on carbon emissions. This framework will allow bilateral carbon trading agreements and a centralised United Nations system for trading carbon offsets, enhancing global participation in carbon markets. 3️⃣ Impact on Forest Markets: Establishing this carbon market could reshape how forests are classified and valued globally. Ongoing debates exist about including plantation forests versus natural restoration projects, particularly as the EU emphasises native forest restoration. At the same time, other regions rely on commercial plantations for their carbon credits. 🗣️#questionforgroup: How can countries ensure that the new UN-operated carbon market supports both sustainability and economic growth in forestry? What measures should be taken to balance the interests of developed and developing nations regarding carbon credits? 🔗 To learn more: https://lnkd.in/gW-d9wMG #carbonmarket #sustainability #forestry #cop #cop29 #parisagreement #climatechange #environment #globalcollaboration #carboncredits #forestmanagement

Last week, I was fortunate enough to attend the South African Carbon Forum workshop in Stellenbosch (a splendid venue; yes, there was some wine tasting in between). It was an absolute privilege to be in the room with representatives from the SA Government—Department of Forestry Fisheries and Environment (DFFE - who negotiate at COP), large utilities, buyers of credits, financial institutions, consultants assisting the government on the Framework on A6, project developers (on the ground), academics, and other key stakeholders as we discussed how to scale the carbon markets in South and Southern Africa. The discussions were open, conducted under Chatham House rules, and allowed for a free flow of ideas, frank discussion, expression of industry-shaping opinions, and robust debate. This is not often achieved. I felt that the participants who created this “positive vibe” and “safe” environment were able to rise above these individual agendas in debating how to scale the SA market. Here are my four key takeaways for us all: 1.    Comment on the Draft South African A6 Framework: The draft framework is due for release on the DFFE website in the coming week. 2.    Look out for the International Playbook: Watch COP#28 for the release of the international standards (Verra, Gold Standard, and the Singapore government) playbook. The document attempts to align the international standards' response with the UNFCC requirements (to be finalized) set out so far under A6. It also includes experience working with governments in the last year, reporting to the UNFCCC for annual and bi-annual reports under A6, and how the VCM can best support their efforts. I sincerely hope that, with critical issues like “registries,” we keep the conversation flowing as we attempt to resolve the information flows (transactional or operational) required between international, domestic, and UNFCCC registries going forward. 3.    Follow IETA as they go into action at COP29: An IETA draft document on finalizing the A6 rulebook has been produced and is worth reading. Hopefully, issues like “first transfer,” “authorization,” “registries,” and “emissions avoidance” will be addressed at this COP. 4.    Participate in the roadshow on the SA A6 Framework: Workshops have been held in Durban and Cape Town, and one is planned for Johannesburg in early December 2024. As a collective, we must continue discussing the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM) to ensure alignment between the UNFCC and international and domestic efforts. Thanks go to everyone who attended, the #BureauofEconomicResearchStellies (and Roy) for supplying a venue for the event, and in the main, to #IETA for setting the meeting and agenda for the sixth time. Let’s keep the conversation going. #Verra #VoluntaryCarbonMarket #VCM #IETA #SACarbonForum

• Current ESG-Related EU Legislation • In today’s business world, a strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approach is more than just about being compliant; it’s a true value driver for companies. ESG efforts are increasingly essential for business growth, fostering brand trust, resilience, and market opportunities. In this article we provide a high-level overview of the current ESG-related legislation applicable to the EU, with the objective to help companies align with legal standards while also gaining competitive advantages. • The Paris Agreement The 2015 Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty, aims to limit global warming to less than 2°C (ideally 1.5°C), as a way to combat climate change. Through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), it encourages nations to cut emissions, and to create business opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable sectors. Each country sets its own emission reduction targets (NDCs) and updates them every five years, ideally making them more ambitious. This treaty has resulted in numerous rules and regulations within the EU and served as the starting point for many sustainability initiatives across the region. • The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) The ESR, adopted and in force since 2018, sets binding emission reduction targets for EU countries in areas like road transport, heating of buildings, agriculture, etc. The regulation’s goal is 40% emission reduction by 2030. In addition, the revised Land, Forestry and Agriculture Regulation, also aims to contribute to the EU's climate goals. It was originally adopted in 2018 and strives for climate neutrality in the land, forestry, and agriculture sectors by 2035. Further, it aims to achieve this by boosting carbon removal in land use, forestry and agriculture through practices like carbon farming, using long-lasting carbon-storing materials and protecting and restoring ecosystems. • The European Green Deal Launched in 2019, the European Green Deal is the EU’s strategy to reach climate neutrality by 2050. It sets obligations to maintain sustainable practices in energy, industry, and agriculture, aiming for a circular economy, reduced pollution and healthy ecosystems. • Contact us to find out more: info@rockwatercompany.com | info@rockwaterlegal.com => Read more: https://lnkd.in/eDD6UMKp #GreenCompliance #SustainableGrowth #ESGRegulations

https://lnkd.in/d65J4kjt Sadly, low-integrity offset projects are the norm, not the exception. A 2023 investigation reviewed a broad swathe of rainforest protection projects and found that “94% of the credits had no benefit to the climate”. The issuer of carbon credits at the heart of the investigation has disputed its findings, but also announced it is introducing a new, “more consistent” methodology. Consider deforestation. The vast majority of dubious credits on the market today are issued by companies who pledge to protect forests from timber harvesting. These firms may use faulty baseline accounting practices to make claims that can mislead even the most well-meaning sustainability executives. For instance, credits are routinely issued on the promise of protecting forests that have already been designated for conservation in perpetuity."

Carbon Markets are broken - a 2023 investigation reviewed a broad swathe of rainforest protection projects and found that “94% of the credits had no benefit to the climate”. The issuer of carbon credits at the heart of the investigation has disputed its findings, but also announced it is introducing a new, “more consistent” methodology. Consider deforestation. The vast majority of dubious credits on the market today are issued by companies who pledge to protect forests from timber harvesting. These firms may use faulty baseline accounting practices to make claims that can mislead even the most well-meaning sustainability executives. For instance, credits are routinely issued on the promise of protecting forests that have already been designated for conservation in perpetuity. https://lnkd.in/eDFEwuen

Last week, the international climate conference #COP29 approved of the Article 6.4 mechanism. In short, this sets the stage for a UN-supervised #carbonmarket, where countries can trade carbon emission reductions to meet their Paris Agreement goals. So what might this mean for biochar markets in North America? 🔸 Increased Market Demand: With CDR methodologies now standardized, more doors can open for biochar projects, from qualification to more funding.  🔸 Opportunities for Innovation: The expanded CDR frameworks include a diverse range of removal methods, and biochar’s contributions to agricultural sustainability, soil health, and carbon removal can’t be understated in a regulated marketplace. While there are still concerns about transparency and environmental justice, this milestone can continue to supercharge the biochar industry's role in the fight against #climatechange. https://lnkd.in/eK9Z79kS What are your thoughts on Article 6.4's potential to transform carbon markets?👇 #ParisAgreement #Article6