Where’s you head at? Trump, COP29, Northvolt, the EU parliament’s biggest group planning to try and ditch the 2035 target to stop selling ICE vehicles in Europe? It’s a lot, right?
Thankfully at least there’s BlueSky, which you should get tf into if you have not yet. A balm in these harsh times. Here’s a handy Starter Pack of our previous (and some future) guests to get you started:
So tune in, buck up, and listen to this conversation with Lisett Luik, co-founder of Arbonics, a nature-based carbon removal startup. This week they just launched a new class of carbon credits - unlike a lot of others in the VCM, they only deal in Europe, which may make them stand apart from some of the more controversial players in that space. By some estimates there are 14 million hectares of land that could be turned to forest in Europe - that’s basically two Irelands.
In our discussion, we explored the transformative potential of forestry in voluntary carbon markets and reflected on the outcomes of COP29, particularly around Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
COP29 and the Evolution of Carbon Markets
COP29 in Baku marked a turning point—or perhaps a crossroads—for carbon market regulation. After years of negotiation, countries finalised frameworks under Article 6, providing long-sought clarity on mechanisms for international carbon trading. The establishment of the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) under Article 6.4 was kind of a breakthrough, offering a standardised platform for trading mitigation outcomes while incorporating human rights and environmental safeguards1.
But still a lot of work to do. Critics highlighted the slow progress in integrating robust nature-based solutions into these frameworks. For example, afforestation and reforestation projects inherited from older mechanisms were included, but questions about their additionality and permanence persist, underscoring the need for further safeguards2
Lisett noted that while Article 6's operationalisation is vital for global coordination, its implementation raises concerns about equity and effectiveness in nature-based solutions: "The voluntary carbon markets must ensure integrity and avoid becoming the 'wild west' of offsets."
Nature-Based Solutions: From Potential to Practice
Arbonics uses big data to maximise the impact of forestry projects for carbon removal. Lisett described the company's mission to create stronger forests through predictive data tools, ensuring that trees grow in optimal conditions to sequester carbon and promote biodiversity.
Nature-based solutions are more than a feel-good approach; they represent up to 30% of the global mitigation potential needed to meet Paris Agreement goals. e, high-quality carbon removal is immense.
The Role of COP29’s Outcomes
COP29 solidified a $300 billion annual climate finance goal, with aspirations to reach $1.3 trillion by 2035 through blended public and private finance. What does that mean? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But as that’s being worked out, players in the VCM like Arbonics keep on moving.
Lisett underscored the need for financing mechanisms that prioritise transparency and integrity in carbon markets. She highlighted how Arbonics uses rigorous certification standards, like those from Verra, to ensure its projects deliver measurable climate benefits.
Bonus
If you’ve subscribed here (you lucky devil) you’ll hear our bonus segment previewing what we’re writing about the future of COP and 1.5 C, because crikey it’s surely time for a non-delusional conversation on these topics.
Nature-based solutions like those championed by Arbonics could still be a critical piece of this puzzle.
In closing our conversation, Lisett shared her hope: “With the right support and frameworks, nature-based solutions can scale to become a cornerstone of our climate response. But we need to act decisively to realize their full potential.”
What do you think about the role of nature-based solutions in carbon markets? Share your thoughts in the comments below or reach out on social media!
https://api.startupcoalition.io/u/2024/11/Startup-Coalition-Carbon-Markets.pdf
https://www.carbonbrief.org/cop29-key-outcomes-for-food-forests-land-and-nature-at-the-un-climate-talks-in-baku/
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