Spotlight Session: The Current State of Voluntary Carbon Markets

Many organizations seek to offset a portion of their emissions by buying carbon offsets in voluntary carbon markets – at least until they can find other more direct ways to abate their emissions. However, 2023 saw significant upheaval in this sector, with some high-profile failures and a general acknowledgement that the current approach must improved if real and lasting carbon reduction is to be achieved. This session will discuss the various types of offsets available in carbon markets, recent failures, some of the critical challenges that must be addressed, and developments that may improve the overall viability of international voluntary carbon markets.