Gold Price Today Surges to All-Time High at $3,671 as Miners Push ESG and Carbon Reduction Goals

Jennifer L
-
0
Gold Price Today Surges to All-Time High at $3,671 as Miners Push ESG and Carbon Reduction Goals

On September 9, 2025, the gold price set a new all-time high with an intraday peak of $3,671.38 per ounce. The rally shows strong investor demand. It also reflects rising geopolitical tensions and record central bank purchases.

At the same time, the gold industry is undergoing a transformation. Mining companies are committing to renewable energy, carbon reduction, and net-zero targets. Together, record prices and sustainability strategies are reshaping how gold is valued by both investors and communities.

Why Gold Price Today Reaches Historic Levels

Gold’s role as a safe-haven asset has been reinforced by global economic uncertainty. Inflation, supply chain issues, and conflicts have led investors to seek safety in gold. At $3,671/oz, prices are up more than 20% since the start of 2025.

Gold price
Source: Bloomberg

Central banks have played a major role. In 2024, they bought more than 1,050 metric tons of gold, the second-largest annual increase ever recorded.

China, India, and Turkey led the purchases as part of their strategy to diversify away from the U.S. dollar. Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) also recorded a rebound, with inflows of $6.8 billion in the first half of 2025.

Retail demand is strong, even with high prices. This is especially true in India and China, where jewelry makes up a big part of what people buy.

The gold price surge reflects more than short-term speculation. At a glance, here are the structural trends that support gold’s long-term appeal:

  • Currency diversification: Central banks are reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar, boosting demand for gold reserves.

  • Inflation hedge: With global inflation averaging 4.7% in 2024, gold continues to act as a store of value.

  • Geopolitical risk: From conflicts in Eastern Europe to supply chain disruptions, gold offers security in times of instability.

Analysts suggest that if these conditions continue, gold could rise toward $3,800 per ounce by the end of the year. While prices climb, the gold mining industry faces a major sustainability challenge.

The Carbon Footprint of Gold Mining

Gold production is energy-intensive, often relying on fossil fuels for power and processing. According to the World Gold Council (WGC), here are some facts about gold emissions:

  • The average emissions intensity of gold mining is ~0.9 metric tons of CO₂ per ounce of gold produced.

  • Gold mining accounts for roughly 0.3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, a significant share for one sector.

  • Electricity and diesel fuel make up more than 80% of mining-related emissions.

gold scope 3 emissions
Source: WGC

These numbers highlight the importance of industry-wide decarbonization efforts. Without action, rising production could undermine global climate goals. Let’s get to know the top gold companies promoting sustainable mining.

Gold Miners Expanding ESG and Net-Zero Efforts

Several leading gold companies have committed to aggressive climate goals. Below is a closer look at how the biggest players are progressing.

Newmont Corporation

As the world’s largest gold miner, Newmont has pledged to reach net zero by 2050. The company reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 6% in 2024, thanks to a mix of renewable power agreements and efficiency upgrades. Boddington mine in Australia and Peñasquito mine in Mexico are switching to solar and wind energy.

Newmont has also invested in battery-electric haul trucks to replace diesel fleets. By 2030, Newmont aims to cut absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 32% and Scope 3 emissions by 30% compared to 2018 levels.

IAMGOLD

The Canadian miner has also made significant strides. Its Côté Gold mine in Ontario is powered primarily by hydropower, giving it net-zero Scope 2 emissions.

IAMGOLD aims to cut emissions intensity by 30% by 2030. They are also testing electric equipment in North America. Beyond emissions, IAMGOLD has invested in water conservation and biodiversity projects, positioning itself as a leader in responsible mining.

B2Gold

B2Gold has been recognized for its bold renewable energy strategy in Africa. The company built a 7 MW solar power plant at the Fekola mine in Mali, which reduces diesel use by 13 million liters annually. This saves about 39,000 tons of CO₂ emissions every year.

B2Gold is evaluating hydrogen pilot projects. They are also expanding solar infrastructure at other sites. Their goal is to cut emissions intensity by 30% across all operations in the next decade.

Nova Minerals

Based in Australia, Nova Minerals is exploring some of the most advanced decarbonization technologies in the sector. It is testing green hydrogen systems to power off-grid mining operations. It is also looking into carbon capture options in mine waste.

These steps aim not only to reduce emissions but also to position the company as an innovator in low-carbon mining solutions. Nova has announced plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, earlier than most of its peers.

Gold Fields

Gold Fields, headquartered in South Africa, has set a net-zero by 2050 goal with interim targets to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% by 2030. The company is already producing tangible results.

At its South Deep mine in South Africa, it installed 40 MW of solar capacity, supplying about 25% of the site’s power needs. Across its global operations, Gold Fields’ renewable projects prevent an estimated 250,000 tons of CO₂ annually.

Together, these initiatives show how miners are transforming their business models to meet climate goals. Importantly, they also lower operating costs by reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel prices.

The Gold Industry’s Green Makeover 

Beyond individual companies, the entire gold sector is moving toward sustainability. The World Gold Council’s “Net Zero by 2050” framework guides miners. It emphasizes using renewable energy, electrification, and engaging the supply chain.

gold mining power emissions

By 2024, about 35% of electricity used by the gold industry came from renewables, up from 15% in 2019. Carbon credits are also becoming part of the transition. Many miners buy top-notch forestry and renewable energy offsets. They do this to balance emissions they can’t eliminate yet.

If current trends continue, the WGC projects that the sector could reduce total emissions by 30–40% by 2035, with deeper cuts possible through new technologies.

Soaring gold price is boosting revenues, but investors are increasingly focused on ESG credentials. A 2025 MSCI survey found that 72% of institutional investors consider ESG performance when evaluating mining companies. This is especially relevant as ESG-focused funds are projected to manage over $50 trillion globally by 2030.

For miners, this means profitability is no longer enough. Companies that show strong sustainability progress are more likely to secure financing and attract long-term investors. This dual focus – financial strength and ESG performance – will shape the industry’s outlook in the coming decade.

Gold’s Future: Shining Brighter, Greener, and Pricier

The future of gold is being shaped by two powerful forces: market momentum and sustainability. On one hand, record demand and central bank purchases are pushing gold prices higher, with forecasts pointing to $3,800/oz by the end of 2025.

On the other hand, the industry is undergoing a deep transformation. From Newmont’s electrified fleets to B2Gold’s solar-powered mines, gold companies are proving that it is possible to align profitability with climate responsibility. These moves not only reduce emissions but also make operations more resilient and cost-efficient.

The gold price today at $3,671 per ounce is a milestone for the industry, but the bigger story lies in how miners are responding to climate pressures. With carbon-intensive operations under scrutiny, leading companies are committing to ambitious net-zero goals and rolling out renewable energy projects across the globe.

For investors and policymakers alike, gold’s future will be measured not just in ounces and dollars, but in how sustainably those ounces are produced. In this sense, the industry is writing a new chapter – one where gold shines both as a financial safe haven and as a driver of responsible growth.

$60B Venture Capital Alliance Backs $300M Fund for Climate-Tech Startups

Jennifer L
-
0
$60B Venture Capital Alliance Backs $300M Fund for Climate-Tech Startups

A major new funding initiative promises a breakthrough for climate-tech startups. A group of top venture capital and private equity firms, called “All Aboard Coalition”, managing $60 billion in assets, has started a $300 million fund. This fund will help climate-tech companies grow from pilot stages to commercial operations. This is the time when many firms encounter the “missing middle.””

Led by TED Conferences curator Chris Anderson, the group aims to bridge the critical funding gap in clean tech—often called the “valley of death.” Anderson stated:

“One of the biggest threats to the world’s future is that the companies capable of building a healthy low-emissions global economy are simply not getting the funding they urgently need. The only way to fix that is through collective action. By acting as a community, we can help propel these exciting vanguard companies to true global scale.”

Closing the “Valley of Death” for Climate Innovations

The “missing middle” refers to a familiar but frustrating gap in climate-tech funding. Early-stage seed rounds usually get enough funding to test ideas in labs. But moving to full deployment needs big infrastructure investments. Traditional venture investors often avoid this type of capital.

This new fund aims to close the gap. It targets rounds of $100–200 million. This money will help companies build manufacturing facilities, test prototypes, or develop commercial systems.

Leading firms backing the fund include recognizable names such as:

  • Breakthrough Energy Ventures,
  • Khosla Ventures,
  • DCVC, 
  •  Clean Energy Ventures,
  • Energy Impact Partners.

Their participation signals confidence in the climate solutions market and hopes to bring in generalist capital by reducing risk. The All Aboard Coalition brings both capital and credibility into a sector needing institutional support.

Ramp-Up Amidst Funding Declines

Global venture capital investment in climate tech has fallen for three straight years, according to PitchBook. Funding declined from $25.9 billion in 2022 to $19.7 billion in 2023, and slipped again to $17 billion in 2024—a total drop of about 34% in just two years.

climate tech investment 2024

Over the past two years, venture funding in climate technologies has dipped sharply. In early 2025, funding for technologies such as direct air capture fell by over 60% compared to the previous year.

Broadly speaking, global investment in climate tech fell 19% in H1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, signaling ongoing funding challenges. Non-dilutive funding, like debt and grants, hit record levels. This shows confidence in scalable, infrastructure-focused solutions, even with fewer deals.

global investment in climate tech h1 2025
Source: Net Zero Insights

The U.S. market led the global share with 51% of funding (around $21.4 billion), and it may end the year 12% higher overall. In contrast, Europe’s equity investments declined, though a rebound is expected later in the year.

A report by Sightline Climate shows that global climate tech funding fell to $5.9 billion in Q2 2025, the lowest quarterly level since 2020. Although the sector is still expanding, growth has slowed to 7%, a pace the report describes as typical for a maturing market.

quarterly climate investment

For the climate tech community, however, this shift from rapid acceleration to steadier progress may require a period of adjustment. Moreover, without scalable capital, many startups hit a pause. This delays or stops their work on important technologies.

This new fund directly addresses the problem. By offering a vehicle for later-stage funding, it intends to keep innovations moving forward. One industry analyst said, “You can have great lab-scale solutions. But without funding to build factories or test them in the field, those solutions go nowhere.”

This new fund comes at a key time. It brings fresh energy to a sector facing slow commercialization. This is true even with strong policy support, especially in Europe and North America.

Why Climate-Tech Needs Big, Patient Capital

Climate technologies, such as green hydrogen and advanced battery storage, require different funding. This is unlike the software and service startups that VCs typically back. Building a green hydrogen plant or modular carbon capture equipment can require hundreds of millions in initial investment. This happens before any revenue comes in.

Institutional impact investors or infrastructure funds can provide capital. But this happens only after a concept is proven viable, operations are scaled, and revenue starts flowing.

Many climate companies fail to reach that stage due to capital constraints. This new fund provides flexible capital, using equity and convertible terms. It helps overcome the commercialization hurdle.

Coalition Power: Who’s Onboard and Why It Matters

The coalition gathers firms that manage $60 billion in assets. This gives them strong financial power and expertise in green technology. They have strong capital behind them. Their goal is to invest in later-stage rounds. They want to create a strong market signal. This signal will attract more generalist investors.

Key strategic opportunities this coalition unlocks:

  • Market validation: Their backing signals to other investors that climate tech is viable.

  • Network leverage: Members can share technical and operational support with portfolio companies.

  • Standard-setting: The fund could define benchmarks for due diligence and standards in climate-tech investing.

According to one venture partner, “This is not about gimmicks. It’s about building infrastructure to scale solutions that are already proven technically.”

A Window into the Future

As the fund deploys capital, it will ramp up in three stages:

  1. Investment into expansion-stage companies with proven prototypes.

  2. Deployment into building manufacturing capacity or first-of-a-kind facilities.

  3. Financial returns and impact tracking, demonstrating investment viability.

If it succeeds, the fund could spark a climate-tech ecosystem. This would make delivering solutions faster, less risky, and more appealing to mainstream investors.

Road to Scale: What Drives Impact Forward

This fund arrives amidst promising developments in climate policy and corporate net-zero commitments. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the EU’s Green Deal are reducing risks for clean tech investments.

This is especially true when they team up with private capital. Corporations looking for verified offset credits or ways to decarbonize their operations now have more tools. To maximize impact, the coalition aims to:

  • Invest in technologies fulfilling Tier 4 removals or real-world emissions reductions.

  • Support companies with strong go-to-market plans and partnerships with utilities or industrial firms.

  • Provide supplementary technical advisory support, alongside capital.

A Balanced Path Forward

While optimism is high, risks remain. The fund’s success hinges on:

  • Demonstrating real-world returns on large climate investments.
  • Ensuring measurement and verification of climate impact.
  • Balancing financial ROI with societal and environmental goals.

The launch of this $300 million fund by a coalition managing $60 billion in assets represents a turning point for climate-tech. Targeting the “missing middle” fills a long-standing funding gap. This move could speed up the journey from innovation to real impact.

If capital flows as planned, this fund could spark a wave of climate solutions. These solutions might generate billions in revenue and cut emissions by gigatons by 2030. This initiative provides a financial boost and shows how private capital can support real climate progress.

Puro.earth Secures €11M as Nasdaq Backs Engineered Carbon Removal Boom

Jennifer L
-
0
Puro.earth Secures €11M as Nasdaq Backs Engineered Carbon Removal Boom

Puro.earth, a global platform for engineered carbon removal, has secured €11 million in Series B funding. Nasdaq led the round, with support from Fortum Innovation and Venturing.

The investment marks a significant milestone for the company and the broader carbon removal market, which is expected to expand rapidly over the next decade. The funds will help Puro.earth boost its infrastructure, support suppliers better, and speed up the issuance of reliable carbon removal credits.

Strengthening the Backbone of Carbon Removal

The new funding will support Puro.Earth’s efforts to expand its infrastructure for issuing CO₂ Removal Certificates (CORCs). These certificates show verified carbon credits for removing one metric ton of carbon dioxide from the air. This is done using methods like biochar, enhanced rock weathering, and direct air capture.

Key areas where the investment will be deployed include:

  • Enhancing supplier onboarding to bring more carbon removal projects into the system.
  • Improving digital monitoring, reporting, and verification (dMRV) tools to ensure transparency.
  • Scaling credit issuance to meet rising demand from corporations with net-zero commitments.
  • Building stronger links between credit buyers and project developers.

These initiatives are designed to make carbon removal a trusted and reliable part of the global climate toolkit. 

Passing the One Million Credit Milestone

Puro.earth has already achieved a major industry milestone: the issuance of more than 1 million CORCs since its launch in 2019. Each certificate represents one verified metric ton of carbon dioxide removed. Notably, the platform doubled its issuance volume in just a year, underlining how quickly demand and supply are scaling.

The company expects the next million CORCs to be issued by mid-2026, showing exponential growth potential. For context, the credits issued to date are equivalent to removing the annual emissions of around 250,000 passenger cars. This progress shows how quickly engineered carbon removal is moving from a niche market to a mainstream climate solution.

Why the Funding Matters

Puro.earth’s Series B financing will help unlock several critical steps for scaling the carbon removal industry. With better infrastructure and closer supplier ties, the platform can boost CORC issuance. It can also widen the range of removal methods available.

This matters because companies around the world are under pressure to meet net-zero pledges. Access to trusted carbon removal credits provides a pathway for organizations to address residual emissions after reducing their own footprint.

High-quality credits show that corporations are serious about climate leadership. This impresses regulators, investors, and customers.

Jan-Willem Bode, President of Puro.earth, reiterate this saying:

“With this latest round of funding, we’re strengthening the systems that facilitate scale in CDR deployment and enhancing our customer offerings to better support the growing demand for durable engineered removals. Our approach is grounded in science, market discipline, and transparency. This is what our ecosystem of buyers and suppliers demands— Nasdaq and Puro.earth are well-placed to meet this need by combining financial infrastructure and climate expertise to foster innovation and accelerate the carbon market growth.”

Rising Demand for Engineered Carbon Removal

The global carbon removal market is still in its early stages, but demand is accelerating. In 2024, purchases of durable removal (CDR) credits totaled 8 million metric tons of CO₂.

Durable carbon removal credits CDR purchases 2024

Biochar projects made up most of the certified credits. Puro.earth was the top registry for these methods.

 

Market forecasts point to exponential growth. Analysts estimate that the carbon removal market, valued at about $2.7 billion in 2023, could grow to as much as $100 billion annually by 2030–2035. Such growth depends on stronger policy support, buyer confidence, and technological advances that reduce costs.

BCG carbon removal credit demand projection 2030-2040

Government policies are already playing a role. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act offers incentives for carbon removal. Meanwhile, the European Union is creating its own certification frameworks. These measures encourage companies in energy, finance, aviation, and technology to look into lasting carbon removal credits.

What Sets Puro.earth Apart in the Carbon Market

With the backing of Nasdaq and Fortum, Puro.earth is positioning itself as a central hub in the carbon removal ecosystem. The company’s platform has several features that strengthen its credibility:

  • Rigorous methodologies:
     CORCs use conservative baselines. This ensures credits show only extra, verifiable removals.
  • Transparency:
     Digital tools track and verify carbon storage, helping buyers trust the credits they purchase.
  • Scalability:
     By focusing on engineered removals such as biochar and direct air capture, Puro.earth connects buyers with solutions that can expand rapidly.

This approach sets Puro.earth apart from project-level registries. Those registries have faced criticism for integrity issues. The platform aims to rebuild buyer trust in carbon markets by creating a strong framework at the jurisdiction level.

Strengthening ERW Credibility

Recently, Puro.earth has launched a public consultation. This aims to enhance its Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) method, the first engineered carbon removal approach of its kind. The revision aims to align with the latest scientific advances and its own General Rules and ICVCM benchmarks.

Key updates are:

  • Stricter measurement methods now require two ways to verify CO₂ removal.
  • Sampling guidance for soil chemistry is clearer.
  • There’s explicit accounting for carbon loss factors, like plant uptake and river transport.

The new method adds uncertainty discounts and needs strong statistical checks. This boosts both scientific accuracy and market trust.

Barriers Ahead: High Costs and Market Fragmentation

Despite the positive outlook, challenges remain. High costs continue to be a barrier for many engineered carbon removal projects. Market fragmentation means many standards and methods compete for attention. This can confuse buyers. In addition, demand has not yet caught up with potential supply.

In 2021, the voluntary carbon market reached a peak of 516 million metric tons in transactions, but volumes fell to around 84 million tons by 2024. Forest and land-use projects fell sharply. This made buyers more cautious about offset integrity.

carbon credit trading volume 2024

Jurisdictional and engineered solutions from Puro.earth can help with these issues. However, building trust will take time.

Still, analysts see the potential for a $250 billion carbon removal market in the future. Institutional support, like Nasdaq’s role in this funding round, can boost confidence and speed up adoption.

Indexed CDR Purchase Volume Growth Projections

Can Puro.earth Lead a $100B Market?

The outlook for carbon removal is both challenging and promising. Demand for verified credits is growing, yet it remains far below the levels needed to align with global climate goals.

Analysts estimate that by 2050, the world will need to remove billions of tons of CO₂ annually to stay within safe temperature limits. For platforms like Puro.earth, this means scaling quickly, building trust, and ensuring credits meet the highest integrity standards.

With the €11 million Series B funding, Puro.earth is taking important steps in that direction. The company aims to close the gap between bold climate promises and real outcomes. They’re doing this by:

  • Strengthening supplier infrastructure
  • Improving digital verification
  • Supporting more project developers

As the world approaches the 2030 milestone, engineered carbon removal will play a bigger role in net-zero strategies. If Puro.earth meets its growth goals, it could create a multi-billion-dollar carbon removal industry. This would also help make corporate climate goals a reality. In this way, the company’s progress reflects both the urgency and the opportunity of building a sustainable carbon removal market.

The Power of Plastic Credits: How Verra’s Waste Reduction Program Can End Global Plastic Pollution

Saptakee S
-
0
The Power of Plastic Credits: How Verra’s Waste Reduction Program Can End Global Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world today. As per Verra, every year, more than 430 million tons of plastic are produced, and nearly two-thirds of this ends up as waste—dumped, burned, or abandoned in open spaces, rivers, and oceans.

Without significant intervention, global plastic waste is projected to triple by 2060, threatening ecosystems, economies, and communities alike. Thus, plastic credits are becoming essential tools in sustainable development strategies, particularly in emerging markets.

Let’s start with a quick look at what plastic credits are and how they help tackle the global plastic crisis.

What Are Plastic Credits and How Do They Work?

Plastic credits are a way to tackle plastic pollution through the market. Individuals and organisations can buy these credits to balance out the amount of plastic they use. The money from these purchases helps fund projects that collect, recycle, or reuse plastic waste—keeping it out of oceans, landfills, and the environment.

This system encourages people and businesses to cut back on plastic use while supporting waste recovery efforts both locally and globally.

This video further explains plastic credits:

How Are Plastic Credits Created?

Plastic credits are only given for plastic waste that would have harmed the environment if it hadn’t been collected. Projects working with credit organizations gather plastic waste and recycle or process it using methods like:

  • Mechanical recycling

  • Advanced recycling

  • Reprocessing

  • Co-processing

For every extra kilogram of plastic that is recycled or recovered, a certified plastic credit is issued. These credits are checked through records and audits to make sure the plastic waste would have otherwise ended up in the environment without the project’s help.

Moving on to Verra, its globally recognized standards-setting organization ensures credibility, transparency, and impact of plastic credit programs.

This article explores how Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Program is transforming waste management, strengthening Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, and helping countries and businesses alike combat plastic pollution through verified, high-integrity plastic credits.

plastic pollution

Why Verra’s Work Is Key to Ending the Global Plastic Problem

Plastic pollution has long been a global concern, but its impact is particularly acute in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs). These regions face critical gaps in waste management infrastructure, financing, and regulation, which hinder their ability to collect and effectively recycle plastic waste.

Some key challenges include:

  • Lack of collection and recycling infrastructure

  • Funding shortages and limited private investment

  • Weak legal and regulatory frameworks

  • Underrepresentation of informal waste workers

  • Reliance on open dumping and burning of waste

These challenges make it difficult to reduce plastic pollution without external support, technological innovation, and robust governance frameworks.

And in the plastic sector, Verra is leading by creating a global framework for plastic credits that drives waste reduction, community support, and sustainable growth. Its results-based financing channels investments into projects with proven impact, building a cycle of trust and long-term environmental solutions.

Unlocking Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Standard

Verra’s EPR Discussion Paper states that its Plastic Waste Reduction Standard is the key to its plastic credit program. It offers a transparent, science-based methodology for tracking and certifying plastic waste recovery, ensuring that projects create real, measurable impact.

The standard is built on four foundational pillars:

1. Measurability and Transparency

Verra’s methodology makes projects document every step of waste collection and recycling. Projects track waste sources, volumes, and weights. They record management practices and verify the chain of custody from collection to recycling.

All data is accessible and traceable. This helps governments, funders, and consumers confidently assess project performance.

2. Impact Verification

Verra requires third-party auditors to validate the waste collection and recycling claims made by projects. These audits confirm that plastic waste would otherwise have been lost to the environment and that the recovery efforts are additional, meaning they would not have occurred without the project’s intervention.

The verification process safeguards against inflated reporting and helps maintain trust in the plastic credit system.

3. Social and Environmental Safeguards

Plastic waste projects often involve communities that rely on informal waste collection for their livelihoods. Verra integrates safeguards to ensure that projects:

  • Uphold human rights and provide fair compensation

  • Offer safe working conditions

  • Respect local environmental and social concerns

By aligning sustainability goals with community development, Verra ensures that projects generate benefits beyond just waste reduction.

4. Market Access and Financing

Verra’s certification enables projects to access both voluntary and regulatory markets. This creates investment opportunities for businesses aiming to offset their plastic footprint while supporting high-impact waste management efforts globally.

How Verra Supports Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Systems

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy tool that shifts the financial and environmental responsibility for plastic waste from governments to producers. Effective EPR frameworks incentivize companies to design recyclable products, invest in waste management infrastructure, and reduce their overall plastic consumption.

However, developing EPR systems is challenging, especially in countries with limited resources. Verra helps strengthen EPR systems across three phases:

Phase I – Initiation

During this phase, governments explore EPR as a policy tool and begin building legal frameworks. Verra’s methodologies help producers understand the measurable impacts of waste management, providing data that informs policymaking.

Phase II – Transition

This phase focuses on implementing enforceable regulations and aligning stakeholders. Verra’s third-party audits and reporting tools ensure that data collection is transparent, helping build trust in the early stages of regulation.

Phase III – Maturity

In mature systems, EPR frameworks are fully operational, with clearly defined regulations and robust monitoring mechanisms. Verra’s certifications support scaling waste management solutions by providing financing options and ensuring compliance with international standards.

By integrating plastic credits into EPR systems, Verra helps governments and companies build resilient waste management infrastructures while promoting accountability and innovation.

plastic credits Verra
Source: Verra

Making Every Ton Count: Financing Change with Plastic Credits

Plastic credits are only as effective as the financing structures behind them. Verra’s program helps mobilize investments from both public and private sectors, ensuring that projects receive the support they need to scale operations.

Key ways Verra enables financing include:

Bridging Funding Gaps

Plastic credit markets channel investments into waste collection and recycling projects that would otherwise lack access to funding. This is especially important in regions where waste management is underfunded and informal labor plays a significant role.

Results-Based Incentives

By issuing credits only after verified waste recovery, Verra ensures that funds are aligned with real-world impact. Investors and governments alike can be confident that their contributions lead to measurable improvements.

Promoting Innovation

Verra’s framework encourages the development of new recycling technologies, supply chain management tools, and data tracking solutions, helping to modernize waste management practices across sectors.

Encouraging Circular Economy Models

With verified credits, recycled plastic becomes a more valuable commodity, attracting demand and promoting the reuse of materials within production cycles. This supports long-term sustainability and reduces reliance on virgin plastics.

Verra’s Impact Across the Globe

Verra
Source: Data from Verra

Challenges and the Way Forward

While Verra’s plastic credit program offers promising solutions, challenges remain:

  • Data Quality: Accurate measurement and reporting remain difficult, especially in regions lacking infrastructure.

  • Risk of Misuse: Without strict regulation, companies might offset plastic usage without reducing consumption.

  • Funding Constraints: Infrastructure development requires significant capital, particularly in developing regions.

  • Inclusion of Informal Workers: Waste collection often depends on informal labor sectors, which require support and integration into formal systems.

However, Verra is actively working to address these challenges by promoting rigorous third-party audits, encouraging governments to adopt transparent frameworks, supporting inclusive policies that empower communities, and collaborating with global financial institutions to expand investment flows.

Global plastic waste generation: Management Vs Mismanagement

plastic waste generation report
Source: Plastic Overshoot 2025 Report

The Plastic Credit Market: Growing Demand and Opportunities

Industry report says, the global plastic credit market, valued at US$462 million in 2024, is projected to reach US$1790 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 23.6%. This surge is driven by increasing environmental awareness, regulatory frameworks, and consumer expectations.

Other key players include PCX, rePurpose Global, Empower, Plastic Bank, Ecoex, TONTOTON, Waste4Change, Ampliphi, GemCorp, and OceanWorks.

plastic credit market size
Source: Valuates

As read and studied, Verra’s Plastic Waste Reduction Program plays a pivotal role in ensuring that these efforts are credible, verifiable, and impactful. Last but not least, as plastic pollution worsens, Verra leads with accountability and innovation, turning waste into opportunity and responsibility into lasting action.

Top 3 Carbon Credit Companies Driving Climate Impact in 2025

Saptakee S
-
0
Top 3 Carbon Credit Companies Driving Climate Impact in 2025

The global carbon credit market is on a steep growth path as governments enforce stricter climate rules and businesses accelerate their net-zero commitments.

A research report showed that, in 2024, the market was valued at USD 669.37 billion, and it is projected to rise from USD 933.23 billion in 2025 to nearly USD 16,379.53 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 37.68% during the forecast period.

This momentum underscores a pivotal shift: carbon credits are now central to both government climate policies and corporate sustainability strategies. Europe dominated the market in 2024, while North America is set to post the fastest growth over the coming decade.

carbon credit maket

As demand rises, trust in providers becomes essential. In 2025, three companies—Regreener, South Pole, and ClimatePartner—stand out for their innovation, credibility, and measurable impact.

Why Top Carbon Credit Providers Stand Out

Not all carbon credits carry the same weight, and the leading providers set themselves apart through strict adherence to global standards such as Verra, Gold Standard, and ICROA. They emphasize transparency in project reporting, ensuring that buyers clearly see the impact of their investments. By adopting science-based methods, these companies guarantee permanence and additionality, making every credit credible and durable.

Beyond cutting emissions, they deliver wider benefits, from protecting biodiversity to improving community livelihoods. Together, the top three providers embody these qualities while scaling solutions that serve both people and the planet.

1. Regreener: Community-Backed, Science-Driven

Regreener, based in the Netherlands, has emerged as one of 2025’s most progressive carbon credit companies. Its model blends scientific rigor with local empowerment, ensuring every project delivers lasting benefits.

Why Regreener Leads

Regreener stands out by helping farmers adopt sustainable practices that create verified carbon credits. Each project is judged on strict criteria, including additionality, permanence, social impact, and environmental benefits. This ensures the credits are reliable while also supporting communities and protecting ecosystems.

Project Portfolio

  • Carbon Removal Projects: Reforestation, regenerative agriculture, mangrove and seaweed restoration, and soil carbon storage.
  • Carbon Reduction Projects: Clean cookstoves, renewable energy, methane reduction, and industrial energy efficiency.

Regreener prioritizes community development—creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its user-friendly platform also enables individuals and businesses to measure emissions, select verified projects, and transparently track contributions.

Regreener carbon credits
Source: Regreener

Why it matters: Regreener proves that climate science and social responsibility can work hand in hand, making it a trusted leader in 2025.

2. South Pole: A Global Climate Powerhouse

Founded in Zurich in 2006, South Pole has become one of the world’s most influential climate solutions providers. By 2025, its projects across more than 50 countries have cut or removed over 200 million tonnes of CO₂.

Core Strengths

South Pole delivers solutions ranging from rainforest protection and renewable energy to energy efficiency in emerging markets. Alongside verified carbon credits, it offers advisory services that help organizations measure emissions, set science-based targets, and design long-term climate strategies.

This mix of credits and consulting makes South Pole a trusted partner for global businesses. Its core strengths are:

  • Carbon Credits & Offsetting: Develops, finances, and trades verified projects.
  • Corporate Advisory: Helps businesses set science-based targets and map out net-zero strategies.
  • Beyond Carbon: Offers biodiversity and energy attribute certificates.
South Pole Carbon Credits
Source: South Pole

Market Reach and Investor Confidence

South Pole is well established in Europe and is growing quickly in Asia and Africa, giving it strong reach in both mature and new markets. Investors and financial institutions value the company because it offers clear carbon credit strategies. This trust reinforces South Pole’s position as a global leader in large-scale climate solutions.

3. ClimatePartner: Technology Meets Transparency

ClimatePartner, based in Germany, blends digital tools with verified climate projects to make carbon management simple for businesses. Its services cover accurate emissions measurement, credit procurement and retirement, and transparent reporting. This digital-first approach helps companies set credible climate strategies while showing clear results.

Project Reach and Scale

The company’s projects span renewable energy, forest conservation, sustainable farming, methane capture, and efficient cookstoves.

  • As per company data, ClimatePartner has built both scale and trust. It has worked with more than 6,000 clients worldwide, retiring over 57 million verified credits, and developing over 15 in-house projects.

Driving Accessible Climate Action

This matters because ClimatePartner combines digital-first tools with credible offsets, making climate action both accessible and accountable.

The global carbon credit market is on track to become a trillion-dollar industry, and trusted providers are key to this growth. We infer that companies like Regreener, South Pole, and ClimatePartner stand out by combining transparency, strong verification, and real-world impact.

Their work proves that carbon credits are more than financial tools. They are powerful drivers of climate solutions that protect ecosystems, support communities, and help businesses meet net-zero goals. As demand rises, these leaders will continue to shape a market that makes climate action both credible and scalable.

Frontier’s $31.3M Offtake with Planetary Signals a New Era for Ocean Carbon Removal

Saptakee S
-
0
Frontier’s $31.3M Offtake with Planetary Signals a New Era for Ocean Carbon Removal

Frontier has taken another major stride in scaling up high-quality carbon removal. The coalition has signed a $31.3 million offtake agreement this August with Planetary Technologies, a company that uses ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE) to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reduce ocean acidification.

Planetary and Frontier Push OAE Toward Large-Scale Deployment

Planetary’s journey has been defined by innovation and scientific rigor. Earlier this year, Isometric Registry issued the world’s first verified OAE credits, marking a historic milestone.

These credits were based on pilot projects such as the Tufts Cove facility in Halifax, where purified magnesium oxide was introduced into coastal waters and monitored with cutting-edge measurement protocols.

Significantly, the Frontier deal builds on Planetary’s earlier success with Isometric. And now, the company is moving into its next phase i.e., large-scale deployment.

  • Starting in 2026, Frontier buyers will receive 115,211 tons of verified CO₂ removals spread across a five-year delivery window through 2030.

It’s a turning point for marine-based carbon removal, showing the pathway’s credibility, scalability, and growing importance in global climate strategies.

The Science Behind Planetary’s Ocean Alkalinity Approach

OAE is an emerging method of carbon dioxide removal that strengthens the ocean’s natural ability to act as a carbon sink. Here’s how Planetary does it:

  • Mineral addition: Planetary adds carefully dissolved alkaline minerals such as calcium oxide (CaO) or magnesium oxide (MgO) into coastal waters.

  • Carbon capture chemistry: These minerals react with dissolved CO₂, transforming it into stable bicarbonate ions that are stored in the ocean for more than 10,000 years.

  • Seamless integration: Planetary’s system plugs into existing outfalls like wastewater plants or power stations, avoiding the cost of building new infrastructure.

  • Scalability by design: The entire operational footprint fits into two shipping containers, allowing setups to be deployed in a matter of days.

Planetary OAE
Source: Planetary

This chemical pathway is powerful because it bypasses many uncertainties of biological methods. Instead of relying on ecosystems that may be vulnerable to climate change, OAE leverages the ocean’s natural buffering system to lock away CO₂ for millennia.

Why OAE Could Change the Game

OAE is gaining traction because it combines scale, affordability, and co-benefits—a rare combination in the carbon removal sector.

  • Gigaton potential: Scientists estimate OAE could remove billions of tons of CO₂ annually, making it one of the largest scalable solutions.

  • Cost advantage: Early estimates suggest costs between $50 and $160 per ton, with credible pathways to below $100/ton as operations scale.

  • Ecosystem impact: Unlike many removal methods, OAE tackles a second crisis—ocean acidification. Raising local pH creates better conditions for marine calcifiers such as oysters, shrimp, and crabs.

  • Proven monitoring: Planetary dissolves minerals before releasing them, eliminating uncertainties about when and where reactions take place. Real-time sensors and computational models track the carbon removal and ecological impact.

  • Strong safeguards: Each deployment includes feedstock screening, live monitoring of discharge waters, and a “stop trigger” system to halt operations if thresholds are exceeded.

These elements combined make OAE one of the most promising, durable, verifiable, and scalable methods of carbon removal.

Co-Benefits for Communities

Planetary’s work goes beyond carbon removal. The company partners with Indigenous leaders, scientists, regulators, and local communities to ensure projects support local priorities.

It also shares data openly under FAIR principles and the Carbon to Sea protocol, building trust and transparency. This community-first approach shows that carbon removal can deliver climate benefits while strengthening coastal ecosystems and communities.

The Frontier Deal: Who’s Backing OAE

Frontier’s offtake brings together some of the world’s leading climate-focused companies. The coalition comprises founding members Stripe, Google, Shopify, and McKinsey Sustainability, as well as Autodesk, H&M Group, and Workday.

Through a partnership with Watershed, additional companies, including Aledade, Canva, Match Group, Samsara, SKIMS, Skyscanner, Wise, and Zendesk, also participated in the purchase.

For buyers, the deal represents more than carbon credits. It’s a chance to support field-first innovation. Backing a method like OAE helps accelerate development, lower costs, and scale removals faster while also addressing the ocean health crisis.

Verified Ocean Carbon Credits: A New Chapter for Carbon Markets

The recognition of OAE by registries like Isometric signals a broader shift in the carbon markets. For years, marine-based solutions struggled to gain credibility due to measurement challenges. That barrier has now been broken.

  • Credits are issued only after rigorous MRV protocols confirm that CO₂ has been captured and stored as bicarbonate.

  • Standards such as the Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement from Coastal Outfalls Protocol guide verification and ensure environmental integrity.

  • Leading corporations like Stripe, Shopify, and British Airways have already purchased these credits, sending a clear market signal.

CDR
Data Source: Allied Offsets Q1 2025 Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Market Update

Verified OAE credits are now entering the market, introducing a new wave of high-quality carbon removals. This method shows strong potential as an affordable, scalable solution that benefits both the climate and ocean health.

The $31.3 million Frontier-Planetary deal proves OAE can deliver durable, scientifically verified carbon storage at scale. And for carbon markets, the deal signals that ocean carbon removal solutions are ready.

Amazon’s $20B Carbon Credit Boom? Brazil’s REDD+ Faces Integrity and Demand Test

Jennifer L
-
0
Amazon’s $20B Carbon Credit Boom? Brazil’s REDD+ Faces Integrity and Demand Test

A new analysis of jurisdictional REDD+ (JREDD+) in Brazil’s Amazon reveals a big chance. The potential credit sales could reach $10–$20 billion this decade. However, the market faces delays, integrity issues, and a drop in voluntary demand.

The report from the Earth Innovation Institute (EII) outlines the numbers and assumptions. It also offers a roadmap connecting carbon credit sales to real forest results and social safeguards.

The $20B Amazon Question: EII’s JREDD+ Forecast

The Amazon remains a vital carbon reservoir, holding approximately 56.8 billion metric tons of carbon above ground. Brazil alone contains over 32 billion metric tons of this total. This carbon stock equates to more than one and a half times global annual CO₂ emissions in 2023.

EII’s Amazon Forest Climate Solution (AFCS) expects Amazon emissions from deforestation, fire, and logging to drop by 90% by 2030 from a 2018–2022 baseline. Then, they aim for a 95% reduction by 2040 and a 98% cut by 2050.

Amazon net emissions
Source: EII Report

Brazil’s Amazon states could issue around 1.05 billion TREES standard credits. This would be for reductions achieved from 2023 to 2030. At $10–$20 per credit, that equals $10–$20 billion in potential revenue.

Potential revenue (USD) from the sale of JREDD+ credits
Source: EII Report

Timing matters. EII notes it typically takes two to three years to verify, issue, and sell credits. The four most advanced states—Acre, Mato Grosso, Pará, and Tocantins—might sell around 100 million credits in 2026. This could bring in about $1 billion at $10 per ton. That figure is roughly comparable to the $1.4 billion donated to the Amazon Fund since 2008.

A state-by-state table shows around 1,048.8 MtCO₂e in potential credits by 2030. This could bring in about $10.49 billion at $10 per ton. Pará leads with 348.5 Mt and $3.49 billion, followed by Mato Grosso with 200.1 Mt and $2.00 billion.

Potential jurisdictional REDD+ credits Amazon
Source: EII Report

Why Billions Haven’t Flowed Yet

Analysts underscore the gap between early promises and actual transactions, while the EII report highlights these bottlenecks:

  • No Brazilian state issued credits by June 2025.
  • Only Pará and Tocantins signed forward Emissions Reduction Purchase Agreements (ERPAs).
  • Acre and Mato Grosso are advancing through pay-for-performance (non-credit) mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the voluntary carbon market retrenched in 2023–2024. Global transactions fell to about 84 MtCO₂e from a 516 MtCO₂e peak in 2021, and forest/land-use project volumes slid from about 227 MtCO₂e to about 37 MtCO₂e. This slump undermines demand just as Brazilian states prepare to sell large volumes.

carbon credit trading volume 2024

Put simply, the supply pipeline is maturing faster than demand. Integrity controversies around some project-level REDD+ credits have cooled buyers’ risk appetite. 

EII argues that jurisdictional programs, using conservative baselines and including leakage deductions, can tackle many concerns. They also have social safeguards under the TREES standard. However, these programs still need clear policies and buyer confidence to turn modeled volumes into cash.

What Makes JREDD+ More Credible than Old REDD+?

EII emphasizes that JREDD+ credits reward performance at the state or national scale, not farm-by-farm activities. Also, participation is voluntary. The programs are created with Indigenous peoples, traditional communities, and farmers. They do not limit how landholders can use their land. Critically, project-level credits are subtracted from the jurisdictional pool to prevent double-counting.

Under TREES, crediting leaves out some removals, like those from fire-damaged forests. It also tightens baselines every five years. Moreover, there are significant deductions for leakage, uncertainty, and reversals. These choices underestimate climate benefits but aim to raise robustness.

These features are key to EII’s claim. They say JREDD+ can help finance quick emissions cuts now. Meanwhile, longer-term funds like the proposed “Tropical Forest Forever Fund” can grow.

Policy Shifts and Potential Buyers: From Petrobras to China

Converting potential into real revenue hinges on policy and demand signals:

  • Domestic regulation:
    Brazil’s federal government can explain how states can access Paris Agreement Article 6.2 transactions. This is for those who exceed the national NDC pathway. It could raise carbon prices and volumes for jurisdictional credits.
  • Corporate demand:
     EII floats a COP 30 initiative where Petrobras convenes oil-and-gas peers to buy JREDD+ credits equal to about 1% of the sector’s Scope 3 emissions. This alone would multiply current forest and land-use demand on the voluntary carbon market tenfold.
  • Trade linkages:
    A Brazil–China partnership on “forests, food, and climate” could link trade with local deforestation cuts. It might also direct credit purchases into state JREDD+ programs. Discussions are underway with Brazilian states.

EII believes these steps can shift the market from intent to action. They could also help bridge the multi-billion-dollar funding gaps in law enforcement, fire management, and regenerative land use.

What Success Would Mean for Climate — and the Amazon

The AFCS scenario suggests around 1.5 GtCO₂e in net reductions from 2025 to 2030. This is nearly double what the EU-27 is expected to achieve during that time. This relies on Brazil continuing to reduce deforestation and improving fire prevention and natural regeneration.

About 21% of the cleared land in the Amazon is marginal and turning back into forest. So, targeted incentives could boost natural regeneration at a lower cost than active restoration. This could also help stabilize regional rainfall.

Brazil Amazon carbon intensity
Source: MAAP Program

EII connects climate benefits to public health and economic gains. This means fewer smoke-related illnesses and deaths. It also lowers risks for farm and forest investments. Plus, it creates new income streams for Indigenous peoples and smallholders. These include non-timber products, perennials, and aquaculture.

Still, EII’s main claim can be tested soon. If states set benefit-sharing rules, secure Article 6.2 eligibility, and finalize multi-buyer offtakes, then the first $1 billion in 2026 would prove that jurisdictional crediting works at scale.

Signals to Watch Before COP30

The report highlights COP30 in Belém, Brazil, as a pivotal moment for Amazon JREDD+. The country will host global climate negotiators in November 2025. This event will allow states to showcase their programs. They can also finalize pathways for Article 6.2 crediting. 

EII believes COP30 can be used to reveal big corporate groups. This includes oil-and-gas or agribusiness buyers who commit to JREDD+ purchases. This event may determine whether modeled revenues of up to $20 billion move from projections to real contracts within the decade.

Some of the key market trends to watch are:

  • State milestones: publication of final benefit-sharing frameworks and issuance of first TREES credits.
  • Federal signals: Brazil’s alignment of Article 6.2 pathways for subnational programs.
  • Buyer coalitions: oil-and-gas Scope 3 purchase commitments and commodity-trade linkages with China.
  • Market breadth: whether jurisdictional credits revive voluntary carbon market volumes and pricing after the 2024 slump.

The EII report quantifies a plausible $10–$20 billion revenue pathway for Amazon JREDD+ this decade if governance, integrity, and buyer demand align. That level of financing could speed up Brazil’s forest-climate shift and provide social benefits. But this will only happen if policies and purchase commitments develop as quickly as expected.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Ticket Frenzy, $11B Payday, and Football’s Climate Test

Jennifer L
-
0
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ticket Frenzy, $11B Payday, and Football’s Climate Test

The countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun, and excitement is already building. FIFA has announced that ticket sales will officially start next week, with entry-level tickets priced at $60. This is the start of a wave of global interest in the first World Cup hosted by three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Beyond football, the 2026 World Cup is being framed as the largest sporting event in history, set to break records in scale, audience, and financial impact. However, as the tournament grows, questions about sustainability and climate accountability are surfacing more strongly than ever.

This article explores the key elements shaping the 2026 World Cup—from the scale of ticketing and stadium preparations to the climate debate and FIFA’s promises on environmental management.

Ticket Sales and Record Demand

FIFA confirmed that ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup will start next week, with the lowest-priced tickets at $60. While this marks a lower entry point compared to past tournaments, demand is expected to outpace supply significantly.

The 2026 edition will host 48 teams for the first time, up from 32, and feature 104 matches across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This expansion increases the number of tickets available. FIFA projects that over 5.5 million tickets could be sold, surpassing the record 3.1 million sold in Brazil 2014 and the 3.4 million in Qatar 2022.

FIFA is also testing new ticketing models, including bundled packages for group-stage matches and hospitality programs. Organizers are betting on the North American market’s strong purchasing power to drive record-breaking revenue. It could potentially surpass $11 billion in total tournament income.

Stadiums and Infrastructure: North America’s Advantage

The United States, Canada, and Mexico have much of the needed infrastructure. This lowers construction costs and cuts environmental impact compared to previous hosts. FIFA’s Bid Book notes that 16 stadiums across the three countries are already built and will require minimal adaptation.

The U.S. alone will host 11 stadiums, including New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium (capacity ~82,500), Dallas’ AT&T Stadium (~80,000), and Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium (~70,000). Canada contributes Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico adds Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey.

The use of existing facilities shows a change from past tournaments. For example, in Qatar 2022, seven new stadiums were built. This will lower the carbon footprint of construction. However, emissions from operations and travel are still significant.

Football’s Carbon Footprint

Football—known as soccer in North America and other regions—is far from climate-friendly. The sport generates an estimated 64–66 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually, making it as emissions-intensive as the entire country of Austria.

CC Football Carbon Footprint March2025_1 (1)

This figure shows energy use in stadiums, construction, and merchandise. It also highlights travel and high-carbon sponsorships. These two areas make up about 75% of total emissions.

At the elite club level, teams like Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona are leading the action. Liverpool cut operational emissions by 89% from 2019 to 2024, sources 96% of energy from renewables, and offsets all remaining club operations. FC Barcelona registered a footprint of 1,190 t CO₂e in 2021–22, has switched entirely to renewable electricity, and aims for net-zero by 2030.

Football has a big impact on global emissions. Yet, top clubs are finding ways to lessen this harm. They aim for a more sustainable future for the sport.

The Climate Debate: FIFA’s “Blind Spot”

FIFA is under increasing scrutiny about the tournament’s environmental impact, even with better stadium usage. A recent report, IFA’s Climate Blind Spot (July 2025), said that FIFA’s climate promises are unclear and not enough for the World Cup’s needs.

Air travel emerges as the largest concern. With 48 teams, expanded matches, and international fans, emissions from flights are expected to reach record highs. The report highlights that travel-related emissions could exceed those of Qatar 2022, where the event generated an estimated 3.6 million metric tons of CO₂e.

Estimated GHG emissions for World Cup Finals, 2026-203
Source: New Weather Institute

Moreover, emissions related to top sponsors are adding up to the event’s total carbon footprint.

GHG emissions associated with top sponsorship deals
Source: New Weather Institute

Critics say FIFA’s carbon-neutral pledges lack clarity. The organization often relies on offsets, especially forestry projects. However, these have faced questions about their permanence and integrity. FIFA is facing calls to invest in direct emissions cuts. This includes renewable energy and low-carbon transport.

FIFA’s Environmental Promises

FIFA’s Bid Book and environmental assessment documents outline strategies to mitigate the tournament’s impact. The focus is on three pillars: infrastructure efficiency, waste reduction, and renewable energy.

FIFA has committed to:

  • 100% renewable energy use at stadiums and fan zones.
  • Waste recycling systems aim for 80% diversion from landfills.
  • Water-saving technologies in stadiums, especially in drought-prone areas like California and Mexico.
  • Partnerships with public transit systems to encourage sustainable travel.

In theory, hosting across three countries spreads the load across existing infrastructure. However, the flip side is significantly higher travel demand. Fans, teams, and officials will need to fly long distances between cities such as Vancouver, Miami, and Mexico City. This challenge raises doubts about whether the tournament can realistically achieve a “sustainable” profile.

FIFA world cup 2026 carbon footprint
Source: FIFA World Cup 2026 Bid Book

Chasing $11B: Football’s Financial Juggernaut

The World Cup is not only a sporting spectacle but also a financial powerhouse. FIFA expects revenues to exceed $11 billion, up from $7.5 billion in Qatar 2022. The majority will come from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales.

North America’s large stadiums and established sports economy are central to this projection. For instance:

  • The average stadium capacity is over 60,000, compared to Qatar’s average of 47,000.
  • Sponsorship opportunities are expected to grow by 20–25%, as global brands align with the expanded 48-team format.

The global audience could exceed 5 billion viewers, making it the most-watched sporting event in history. This scale raises the stakes for FIFA not just financially, but in terms of its responsibility toward sustainability and social impact.

Expansion vs. Emissions: Can Growth Be Green?

FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams reflects the tension between inclusivity and sustainability. More nations participating increases global engagement, but also magnifies emissions and logistical challenges.

Environmental experts argue that FIFA should use the World Cup to set new standards for sustainable mega-events.

Options include:

  • Mandating airlines to provide emissions disclosures.

  • Investing in renewable energy projects in host cities.

  • Funding carbon removal technologies instead of relying heavily on offsets.

The July 2025 report emphasizes that FIFA cannot afford to ignore climate accountability, especially as global climate negotiations intensify. With COP30 set to take place in Brazil in late 2025, pressure will grow on FIFA to align with global climate goals.

Lessons from Past Tournaments

Comparisons with earlier tournaments illustrate both progress and gaps:

  • Germany 2006 was the first World Cup to adopt a formal sustainability program, focusing on energy efficiency.
  • Brazil 2014 faced criticism for stadiums that became “white elephants.”
  • Russia 2018 introduced carbon offset programs, but they were limited in transparency.
  • Qatar 2022 claimed “carbon neutrality,” but independent reviews challenged these claims due to reliance on offset credits.

The 2026 edition, taking place in countries with great infrastructure and solid climate policies, can set a strong example. It all depends on whether FIFA keeps its promises seriously instead of just using marketing talk.

What to Watch in the Lead-Up

As the tournament approaches, several milestones will shape both excitement and scrutiny:

  • Ticket sales volume and pricing trends once sales open next week.
  • Details on FIFA’s climate and sustainability programs, expected in late 2025.
  • Infrastructure upgrades, particularly in transport and stadium retrofits.
  • Policy linkages between host governments and FIFA, especially around emissions and energy use.

The spotlight will intensify not only on the quality of football but also on FIFA’s ability to balance entertainment with responsibility.

The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever. It boasts record ticket sales, more teams, and amazing financial returns. Yet, its growth comes with heightened responsibility. FIFA’s climate strategy faces criticism. How the organization manages emissions, offsets, and renewable energy will affect views on the event, extending beyond football.

As ticket sales begin and excitement builds, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching not only for goals on the pitch but also for progress on sustainability. The World Cup offers an unparalleled opportunity to demonstrate that mega-events can align with global climate goals—if the commitments are real and the implementation matches the ambition.

Netflix (NFLX Stock) Partners with American Forest Foundation on Carbon Credits: A Step Toward Its Net-Zero Goal

Jennifer L
-
0
Netflix (NFLX Stock) Partners with American Forest Foundation on Carbon Credits: A Step Toward Its Net-Zero Goal

Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) has taken another step in its climate strategy by signing a long-term carbon credit deal with the American Forest Foundation (AFF). The agreement backs tree planting and forest restoration in the U.S. South. It also boosts Netflix’s efforts to reduce emissions throughout its operations.

The deal shows a shift in the voluntary carbon market(VCM). Companies now want high-quality, verifiable credits that offer social and environmental benefits.

Building Forests, Supporting Landowners

Through AFF’s Family Forests program, Netflix will help convert farmland into new forests. The partnership follows a milestone-based financing model. Netflix gives partial funding as acres are planted and trees grow. The rest is paid once the carbon credits are verified.

The project already covers about 2,500 acres with 1.4 million trees planted and has directed $2 million in payments to landowners. By 2032, AFF aims to expand the program to 75,000 acres, generating an estimated 4.8 million carbon credits. These credits represent millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide captured and stored in forests over decades.

This program helps rural economies by creating new income for family landowners. It also supports biodiversity, water quality, and soil restoration. In a carbon market under increasing scrutiny, such local, transparent projects align with the Core Carbon Principles set by the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets.

More Than Tree Planting: The Power of ARR

ARR projects help restore degraded land and increase forest cover. They lock away carbon and support biodiversity.

These projects represent one of the fastest-growing forest carbon project types in the VCM, with 346 registered ARR projects having issued over 150 million tons of CO2 credits. By 2030, ARR issuances could reach 100 million tons annually. This makes them the second largest project subtype within the VCM.

ARR carbon credit retirement
Source: Sylvera

Studies suggest reforesting suitable areas worldwide could remove up to 3–10 gigatons of CO₂ annually by 2050. In the U.S., ARR projects have captured tens of millions of tonnes of CO₂e. Companies like Microsoft, Apple, and Netflix are increasingly investing in forest-based credits, which boosts momentum.

ARR also provides co-benefits such as cleaner water, soil restoration, and community engagement. For Netflix, this deal is key to its net-zero and ESG strategy.

Net-Zero on Screen: Inside Netflix’s ESG Strategy

Netflix has sharpened its climate strategy, with updated emissions data from its 2024 ESG report providing a clearer picture of its environmental footprint. The company reported total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 1,037,226 metric tons of CO₂e in 2024, measured under the market-based method. This figure includes:

  • Scope 1: 50,488 tCO₂e (direct emissions from facilities, vehicles, and equipment).

  • Scope 2: 0 tCO₂e (purchased electricity, reported as zero under market-based accounting due to renewable energy sourcing).

  • Scope 3: 986,738 tCO₂e (upstream and downstream emissions, largely from cloud services, content production, and supply chains).

Netflix carbon footprint ghg emissions 2024
Source: Netflix ESG Report

This marked a 23% increase from 2023, when emissions totaled 843,107 tCO₂e. Much of the rise was attributed to higher production activity and expanded content delivery across global markets.

Netflix shares a second set of emissions figures. These come from its Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This framework has stricter rules for counting emissions. Under this method, Scope 1 and 2 totaled 75,000 tCO₂e in 2024, while Scope 3 reached 862,884 tCO₂e. These metrics form the baseline for Netflix’s near-term reduction goals.

  • Netflix confirmed its Science-Based Target. It aims for a 46% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, using 2019 as a baseline. Also, it plans a 27.5% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030.

Netflix Climate Transition Plan
Source: Netflix

To get there, Netflix is pursuing a “reduce, retain, and remove” strategy. The focus includes:

  • Reduce: Cutting energy use in production, optimizing streaming efficiency, and working with cloud providers to source renewables.

  • Retain: Using renewable energy credits to ensure 100% renewable electricity, which it already reports under Scope 2.

  • Remove: Investing in natural climate solutions and verified carbon removal projects to offset residual emissions.

Netflix has funded reforestation and forest management projects. These efforts align with its new deal with the American Forest Foundation. It is also piloting partnerships to support carbon removal technologies.

The streaming giant tracks emissions intensity, measured as tCO₂e per revenue unit. This helps ensure that climate progress matches business growth. The company notes that reducing Scope 3 remains its biggest challenge, as these emissions account for more than 95% of its total footprint.

Netflix scope 3 emissions
Source: Netflix

Carbon Credits in Action: Positioning Ahead of Demand

Netflix also relies on carbon credits as part of its “retain and remove” strategy to reach its net-zero target. In 2024, the company purchased and retired 1,036,176 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent in high-quality carbon credits.

These credits came from various nature projects like reforestation, better forest management, and mangrove restoration. They also include tech-based methods that capture and store carbon. Netflix uses these credits after cutting operational emissions. They focus on projects that offer clear carbon removal and help the community.

netflix carbon credit retirements 2024
Source: Netflix

The VCM has grown into a multibillion-dollar sector. In 2024, its value was about $2.5 billion. By 2030, it could jump to $20–45 billion. This will depend on corporate demand and regulatory support.

Nature-based solutions, such as forestry, make up 40–60% of traded credits. Carbon prices usually fall between $15 and $25 per tonne of CO₂.

High-quality credits linked to recent vintages usually have strong verification. They often include co-benefits like biodiversity or community development, which can raise their prices. In contrast, older credits or less verifiable renewable energy offsets are valued much lower, sometimes under $10 per tonne.

Netflix’s decision to invest in AFF’s afforestation projects reflects this market reality. By securing 4.8 million future credits, the company positions itself ahead of growing demand and potential supply shortages. It also signals confidence in domestic forestry as a reliable and socially beneficial source of removals.

American Forest Foundation’s Nature-Based Solutions

The American Forest Foundation is dedicated to supporting family forest owners across the United States. Small private forests make up nearly 39% of U.S. forestland, yet many landowners face barriers to managing them for climate benefits.

AFF’s programs, including the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) and the Fields & Forests initiative, help landowners adopt sustainable practices like reforestation, forest management, and climate-smart planting. These efforts improve carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, and rural economies.

With this expanded support, AFF is positioned to accelerate enrollment and ensure forestry-based carbon credits deliver real, lasting climate impact. This raises important questions about how the partnership shapes both landowner participation and the integrity of carbon credits.

AFF provided insights in an exclusive interview with the CarbonCredits team.

Q: “How does the partnership with Netflix change the scale and speed at which AFF can expand its Family Forests program, and what impact do you expect this will have on U.S. landowners over the next decade?”

A: Netflix’s investment will catalyze and launch the first 6,000 acres of Fields & Forests, and their funding will support essential research & development, outreach, and practice improvements, helping us scale to 75,000 acres enrolled over the next decade.

Additionally, Netflix’s long-term investment helps Fields & Forests build trust with landowners, a critical component in meeting our long-term enrollment goals. Engaging and building relationships with small-acreage landowners takes time, and one question landowners often have is whether the program will be there for the long haul. 

Landowners enrolled in Field & Forests are making a major decision that will impact them and their heirs for decades, and they want to know that we are dependable partners in the long-term. This deal provides landowners with that assurance. 

Q. “Given growing scrutiny of forestry-based offsets, what measures is AFF taking with Netflix to ensure these carbon credits remain high-integrity, permanent, and resilient against risks like wildfires or pests?”

A: AFF has been working for years, alongside a number of partners, to improve the way that the impacts of forest carbon projects are measured, and to ensure that the atmosphere feels a difference from this work.

We helped develop the use of dynamic baselines in forest carbon accounting, leading to the creation of VM 0047, used in Fields & Forests and now the established gold standard for ARR projects. The dynamic baseline compares the carbon sequestered on land enrolled in a program to highly comparable unenrolled forests, isolating the program as the key intervention that can be credited with creating the carbon benefit.

A Blueprint for Corporate Action

Netflix’s partnership with AFF shows how corporations can combine climate commitments with community benefits. By investing in U.S. forests, the company addresses both carbon reduction and rural economic development. This dual focus could serve as a model for future offset deals, more so as stakeholders want more impact from corporate ESG strategies.

If AFF meets its targets, the program will capture millions of tonnes of CO₂ and set a standard for high-quality nature-based credits. For Netflix, the credits will support its net-zero goal while strengthening its ESG narrative for investors and subscribers. Its recent step in the evolving carbon market highlights the value of long-term partnerships. These collaborations can provide climate credibility and help withstand supply challenges and growing expectations.

The AI Energy War: How China’s Solar and Nuclear Outshine the U.S.

Jennifer L
-
0
The AI Energy War: How China’s Solar and Nuclear Outshine the U.S.

China is rapidly changing the global energy landscape. In just a few years, the country has boosted its renewable and nuclear energy capacity. This growth not only surpasses much of the world but also sets the stage for future industrial growth.

China’s focus on clean energy is making it the top choice for the digital age. This comes as AI, robotics, and large data centers use huge amounts of power.

Recent charts show clear momentum: China’s solar output now exceeds U.S. nuclear generation. Also, its nuclear expansion is the largest globally. These developments are not accidental. They come from careful planning, state funding, and a choice to lead in clean energy and related industries.

China’s Solar Boom Surpasses U.S. Nuclear

China’s solar industry has experienced an explosive rise. In early 2025, monthly solar generation surged past 125 terawatt-hours (TWh)—a more than fivefold increase since 2018. For perspective, this figure is now higher than the steady 65–75 TWh per month produced by the entire U.S. nuclear fleet.

China solar and nuclear
Source: https://x.com/Laurie_Garrett

This is a symbolic turning point. For decades, nuclear power was the gold standard for large-scale, carbon-free electricity. Today, China’s solar farms produce more clean power on a monthly basis than America’s entire nuclear sector. The gap is expected to widen, as China continues adding record-breaking solar capacity each year.

Solar growth has been so steep that it is no longer just about meeting household or industrial demand. China is producing extra electricity. This allows it to power energy-demanding technologies like AI, cloud services, and electric vehicles. This “overbuilding” strategy ensures that when demand spikes, the grid has capacity ready.

In the first half of 2025, China’s solar installations more than doubled from a year earlier. This surge meant China added over twice the solar capacity of all other countries combined. The country now accounts for 67% of global installations, up from 54% in the same period of 2024.

China solar capacity H1 2025 Ember
Source: Ember

Two Strategies, Two Futures: Beijing vs. Washington

A side-by-side comparison of energy goals shows just how far apart the two countries are in their approaches.

  • Solar and Wind Capacity (2025): China is on track for 1,400 GW, while the U.S. will reach only about 350 GW.
  • New Additions in 2025: China plans to add 212 GW of solar and 51 GW of wind, compared to less than 100 GW combined in the U.S.
  • Mega Projects: China is developing multi-gigawatt solar bases in deserts and multiple 100+ GW wind farms. The U.S.’s largest solar project—Gemini in Nevada—is just 690 MW, or less than 0.7 GW.
  • Offshore Wind: China already has 42.7 GW installed, compared with the U.S.’s Empire Wind project (816 MW phase 1, with a potential expansion to 2.1 GW).

China vs US clean energy capacity

The comparison reveals a structural difference. China views clean energy as national infrastructure, central to its industrial policy. The U.S., meanwhile, relies more heavily on market incentives and tax credits, which can shift with each administration.

Nuclear Power: The Long Game 

China’s clean energy dominance is not limited to solar and wind. Nuclear power is becoming a core pillar of its long-term strategy.

As of 2025, China operates about 58 GW of nuclear power capacity, compared to 94 GW in the United States. At first glance, this seems like a smaller footprint, but the forward-looking numbers tell a different story.

China has more than 30 GW of nuclear capacity under construction, representing over half of the world’s current nuclear buildout. By comparison, U.S. nuclear growth is limited to incremental projects, with little in the way of large-scale expansion.

China nuclear capacity
Source: IEA

Looking ahead:

  • 2030 Goal: China is targeting 200 GW of nuclear, while U.S. projections range from 100–110 GW.
  • 2050 Vision: China aims for 500 GW of nuclear capacity, compared to the U.S.’s ambitious but unfunded target of 400 GW.

Nuclear offers China two critical advantages. First, it provides reliable baseload electricity, balancing out the intermittency of solar and wind. It also provides a secure, carbon-free power supply. This is crucial for industries that need constant electricity, like AI supercomputing, semiconductor fabs, and robotics manufacturing.

Mega Projects That Redraw the Energy Map

China’s energy expansion is not just about adding capacity; it’s about reshaping the global map of mega energy projects. Some of the most ambitious include:

  • Xinjiang Desert Solar Farm:
     A 3.5 GW solar base, one of the largest in the world, leveraging the region’s vast open land and high sunlight exposure.
  • Hundred-Gigawatt Wind Clusters:
     Multiple projects, each scaling over 100 GW, dwarf anything currently planned in other countries.
  • Hydropower Expansion:
     With over $170 billion invested, China is pursuing new gigaprojects, unlike the U.S., which is focused only on modernizing existing dams.

These projects are not built in isolation. They connect to ultra-high-voltage transmission lines, ensuring that clean electricity from remote areas flows to coastal cities, industrial parks, and increasingly, to massive data centers.

Energy and AI: The Hidden Race Behind Algorithms

The global AI race is about algorithms and chips as well as energy. Training large-scale AI models requires massive amounts of electricity. Data centers using these systems now consume power like small countries. By the end of this decade, their demand is set to triple.

China’s decision to overbuild renewables and expand nuclear capacity is directly linked to this future. By ensuring a surplus of clean, low-cost energy, China is preparing to host the next generation of AI clusters, robotics hubs, and cloud infrastructure.

U.S. Policy Uncertainty: A Strategic Weakness

While China pushes ahead, U.S. clean energy growth faces obstacles. Policy shifts and partisan battles have slowed momentum. Proposals to roll back tax credits or defund renewable energy research could reduce investor confidence and stall growth.

As one observer, Laurie Garrett, noted:

“By blocking and de-funding alternative energy R&D and tax incentives for use of solar, wind, nuclear and other renewables, Trump is handing the future on a gold platter to China.”

This concern is not just about climate. It’s about competitiveness. If the U.S. can’t boost energy capacity to meet growing AI and industrial needs, it may lose its leadership in key sectors. These sectors will shape global influence in the coming decades.

US energy capacity additions, retirements by fuel type

Clean Energy as the New Industrial Edge

China’s renewable and nuclear surge is reshaping the balance of global power. With solar generation now surpassing U.S. nuclear, nuclear projects expanding faster than anywhere else, and gigaprojects rising across deserts, mountains, and coastlines, China is ensuring it has the energy backbone for the AI-driven future.

The U.S. still retains advantages in innovation, advanced nuclear designs, and private-sector dynamism. But without consistent policy support and accelerated project deployment, it risks falling behind.

Countries that control abundant, affordable, and carbon-free electricity will lead in AI, robotics, electric vehicles, and the digital economy. China seems determined to be that country.

1...567...218Page 6 of 218