Carbon project development, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, and voluntary carbon markets are interconnected components of the global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These elements provide a framework for countries, organizations, and individuals to contribute to global climate goals and sustainable development. Carbon project development refers to the process of designing, implementing, and verifying projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions or enhance carbon sinks.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement lays the groundwork for international cooperation and the use of market-based mechanisms, such as emissions trading systems, to achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) set by each participating country World Bank Group. Voluntary carbon markets, on the other hand, allow private entities and individuals to take part in projects that generate carbon credits, which can be traded or used to offset emissions, going beyond regulatory requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Carbon project development, Article 6, and voluntary carbon markets contribute to global climate goals and sustainable development efforts
- Article 6 of the Paris Agreement establishes international cooperation mechanisms for achieving Nationally Determined Contributions
- Voluntary carbon markets enable private entities and individuals to invest in projects that generate tradable carbon credits and support emission reduction efforts
Understanding Carbon Project Development
Carbon project development plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and combating climate change. It involves planning, designing, implementing, and monitoring projects aimed at reducing or offsetting carbon emissions. These projects contribute to the growth of carbon markets and the trading of carbon credits.
There are different types of carbon projects, including:
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): These projects involve capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from emission sources, such as power plants or industrial facilities, and securely storing it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere.
- Carbon removal projects: These projects aim to remove CO2 from the atmosphere, either through natural processes like afforestation and reforestation or technological advancements like direct air capture (DAC).
- Renewable energy projects: These projects focus on generating electricity using clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, instead of fossil fuels. This reduces GHG emissions and promotes a transition toward a more sustainable energy system.
In the context of the voluntary carbon markets, organizations and individuals can purchase voluntary carbon credits generated by these projects to offset their own carbon emissions. This helps companies and individuals achieve carbon neutrality by compensating for their emissions through supporting projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of GHGs from the atmosphere.
Carbon pricing is a mechanism used by governments and market participants to place a monetary value on carbon emissions, thereby internalizing the costs associated with climate change. This creates incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in carbon reduction projects and shift towards more sustainable practices.
In order to be recognized in the carbon market, these projects must meet specific criteria, such as additionality (demonstrating that the project would not have occurred without the incentive of generating carbon credits), permanence (ensuring long-lasting emission reductions), and quantifiability (measuring the exact amount of emissions reduced). Projects are subject to rigorous validation, verification, and monitoring processes to ensure their integrity.
The Paris Agreement includes a mechanism called Article 6 which allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other in achieving their emissions reduction targets. This cooperation can take the form of carbon trading, where one country reduces its emissions by more than its target and trades its surplus carbon credits to another country to help that country meet its target. This approach promotes the efficient use of resources and encourages collaboration between nations.
In summary, carbon project development plays an essential role in reducing global carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. It also supports the growth of carbon markets and the trading of carbon credits, which ultimately enables organizations and individuals to achieve carbon neutrality and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts.
Article 6: A Key Concept in Carbon Market
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement plays a vital role in facilitating cooperation and transparency within the global carbon market. Unlike its predecessor, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement emphasizes voluntary cooperation among nations to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.
One of the primary goals of Article 6 is to prevent double counting of emission reductions, ensuring that each ton of CO2 equivalent reduced is accounted for only once. This is achieved through a system known as corresponding adjustments, in which the host country makes adjustments for transferred emission reductions, ensuring the overall integrity of the carbon market.
Furthermore, Article 6 fosters the convergence of both compliance and voluntary carbon markets by introducing mechanisms for cooperation between nations. Three main mechanisms are provided under Article 6:
- Cooperative Approaches (Article 6.2): Allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with one another, enabling the transfer of carbon credits (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes, or ITMOs) achieved through various initiatives, such as renewable energy projects.
- Sustainable Development Mechanism (Article 6.4): Establishes a centralized, UN-governed mechanism for mitigation activities that contribute to sustainable development and generate certified emission reductions, similar to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol.
- Non-Market Approaches (Article 6.8): Encourages countries to use non-market-based approaches, such as policy coordination and capacity building, to enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.
The voluntary carbon market stands to benefit from the provisions laid out under Article 6. As countries work together to achieve their climate commitments, demand for high-quality carbon credits is expected to grow, driving increased investment in carbon reduction projects.
Additionally, the transparency and ambition of Article 6 provide the necessary foundations for businesses and governments to confidently participate in the global carbon market, while contributing to the overarching goal of combating climate change. In essence, Article 6 sets the stage for a more robust, credible, and effective carbon market that is capable of delivering on the promise of the Paris Agreement.
Mechanics of Voluntary Carbon Markets
Voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) enable market participants to buy and sell carbon credits without being subject to regulatory requirements. These markets operate independently from compliance-driven emissions trading systems, such as cap-and-trade systems or the global carbon market established under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. VCMs provide flexibility for private and public organizations to take proactive actions toward reducing their carbon footprint.
In a VCM, projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generate carbon credits, which can be sold to buyers who seek to offset their own emissions. These projects can vary in scope and type, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, forestry, and methane capture initiatives. Buyers can be companies, governments, or individuals aiming to achieve specific emission reduction targets or to demonstrate their climate action commitment.
Market infrastructure plays a crucial role in maintaining the credibility and integrity of VCMs. This includes standard and methodology development, project validation and verification, and credit registries. Standards and methodologies define the criteria for project eligibility, the process for credit generation, and the quantification of GHG emission reductions. Independent organizations validate and verify project activities to ensure that actual emissions reductions are consistent with established standards and methodologies. Credit registries maintain transparent records of credit issuance and transactions.
Buyers and sellers in VCMs can trade carbon credits through various channels, including direct transactions, exchanges, brokers, or auctions. These marketplaces facilitate price discovery and ensure liquidity for market participants. The emergence of blockchain-based platforms has also created opportunities for increased transparency, efficiency, and security in VCMs.
Within the context of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, voluntary carbon markets are expected to play a growing role in promoting the use of market-based mechanisms for achieving climate and sustainable development goals. International cooperation through the transfer of carbon credits can help countries to reach their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and further stimulate the demand for verified emission reductions.
In summary, the mechanics of voluntary carbon markets involve a range of market participants and infrastructure components that facilitate the generation, trading, and retirement of carbon credits. These markets help to promote climate action beyond regulatory requirements and enable a proactive approach toward reducing GHG emissions.
Investment in Carbon Projects
Investment in carbon projects has been gaining traction in recent years, with [Article 6](https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/05/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-arti c le-6-of-the-paris-agreement) of the Paris Agreement playing a vital role in setting the stage for increased cooperation between countries. To achieve the ambitious climate change objectives, significant financial inflows are required not only from the public sector but also from the private sector.
The World Bank is a leading institution in mobilizing resources for carbon projects. Through various initiatives and partnerships, it supports countries in developing effective carbon pricing policies and establishing carbon markets. Additionally, the bank plays an important role in fostering the growth of voluntary carbon markets, which allow private companies to offset their emissions by purchasing verified carbon credits.
To make carbon projects attractive to investors, a clear, transparent, and predictable regulatory framework is essential. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement addresses the issue by providing countries with guidelines and mechanisms for international cooperation and carbon market development. This allows for increased investor confidence and fosters partnerships between governments and private stakeholders.
Private sector investment plays a crucial role in supplementing government investments in carbon projects. Companies like Shell actively participate in the voluntary carbon market, providing finance to a wide array of projects aimed at reducing emissions. This not only helps combat climate change but also allows these companies to meet their sustainability goals.
- Key areas of investment in carbon projects include:
- Renewable energy production
- Energy efficiency improvements
- Forest conservation and reforestation
- Soil conservation and sustainable agriculture
In conclusion, investment in carbon projects is crucial for achieving global climate change objectives. Collaboration between the public and private sectors, facilitated by institutions like the World Bank and driven by clear regulatory frameworks provided by agreements like Article 6, is essential for driving financial flows into this critical aspect of climate change mitigation.
The Role of Technologies and Renewable Energy in Emission Reduction
Technologies and renewable energy sources play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change. By harnessing the power of clean energy, countries can strive to achieve their emissions reduction targets and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Carbon dioxide removal technologies are emerging as key solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), can help mitigate the effects of climate change. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide produced by industrial processes and storing it underground, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. This technology is still in its early stages, but it shows great potential for helping countries reach their emissions reduction targets.
Renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, have a positive impact on the environment and are instrumental in reducing carbon footprints. Studies have shown that a 1% change in renewable energy can lead to a 0.1910% reduction in carbon footprint in the long run. Replacing fossil fuels with renewables can significantly decrease emissions and help countries achieve their emissions reduction targets.
In addition to renewable energy, energy efficiency measures are vital in curbing carbon emissions. By increasing the efficiency of buildings, transportation, and industries, nations can further reduce their emissions. Technological advancements such as smart grids and energy management systems are crucial to enhancing energy efficiency and limiting overall emissions.
The voluntary carbon market also plays a key role in global emissions reductions. Through the voluntary carbon market, companies can purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions, contributing to carbon dioxide removals and supporting climate change mitigation projects.
In conclusion, the combination of advanced technologies, renewable energy, and voluntary carbon market efforts plays an essential role in reducing emissions and achieving global emissions reduction targets. Each of these elements contributes to sustainable economic growth while addressing the pressing challenge of climate change.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The regulatory landscape of carbon project development, including the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the growth of voluntary carbon markets, necessitates a clear understanding of compliance and reporting requirements. It is crucial for entities involved in these markets to abide by these requirements in order to ensure transparency and effectiveness in achieving net-zero targets.
Compliance markets, also known as mandatory carbon markets, require entities to meet certain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions targets. They must adhere to strict regulatory frameworks, which include guidelines for monitoring, reporting, and verification. This process helps to ensure the credibility of emissions reductions and allows governments to track progress towards their national and international climate goals1.
Voluntary carbon markets, on the other hand, offer opportunities for individuals and organizations to offset their emissions voluntarily by purchasing carbon credits from projects that reduce or remove GHGs from the atmosphere2. Key elements of voluntary markets include:
- Project development: Involves the creation, registration, and implementation of initiatives that reduce or remove carbon emissions.
- Verification: Ensures that the project is accurately quantifying the emission reductions or removals achieved through the project.
- Credit issuance: Upon successful verification, the project is awarded carbon credits which represent one ton of greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals3.
It is important to note that a growing number of voluntary carbon market standards overlap with compliance market requirements, particularly when it comes to monitoring and reporting. Organizations involved in voluntary carbon markets must ensure that they adhere to applicable guidelines and frameworks, provide transparent information on their emissions and target reductions, and incorporate the necessary mitigation measures. This will help to align their voluntary efforts with compliance market standards4.
While reporting requirements differ for compliance and voluntary markets, there are some similarities in the process of accounting for and reporting emissions. Both types of markets generally involve:
- Establishing a baseline for emissions
- Identifying emission sources, measurement methods, and data collection
- Monitoring, calculating, and estimating emissions over time
- Reporting the emissions data and any additional information required by the respective regulatory bodies.
In conclusion, it is vital for entities involved in carbon project development, Article 6 implementation, and voluntary carbon markets to adhere to the specific regulatory compliance and reporting requirements for their sector. This helps to maintain the integrity of these markets and ensures that their contributions towards achieving net-zero targets are credible and effective.
Footnotes
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https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2022/05/17/what-you-need-to-know-about-article-6-of-the-paris-agreement ↩
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https://www.csis.org/analysis/voluntary-carbon-markets-review-global-initiatives-and-evolving-models ↩
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https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2021/10/29/10700146/what-does-article-6-mean-for-the-voluntary-carbon-markets-ahead-of-cop26/ ↩
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https://www.herbertsmithfreehills.com/insights/2023-11/cop28-and-carbon-markets-unfinished-business ↩
Impact of Climate Change and Global Commitments
Climate change has been a growing concern for nations around the globe, as the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions and rising temperatures are becoming more apparent. With the recently held COP26 in Glasgow and the upcoming COP27, countries are increasingly focusing on setting and achieving ambitious climate commitments.
One of the key aspects that emerged from the Paris Climate Agreement, which directs global efforts in combating climate change, is Article 6. This provision allows nations to voluntarily cooperate in achieving their emission reduction targets, as set out in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) 1. The main aim of Article 6 is to promote and enable cooperation between countries in ways that promote cost-effectiveness and simultaneously support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The voluntary carbon markets have been gaining prominence as a means to accelerate the transition to a lower-carbon economy, supplementing governmental efforts to achieve their NDC targets 2. Three primary mechanisms facilitate cooperation between parties under Article 6:
- International cooperation through carbon markets and trading.
- Non-market approaches; and
- Establishment of a new centralised mechanism, similar to the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol.
At COP26, the rulebook for implementing Article 6 was agreed upon, providing a framework for launching operational carbon markets. A key objective of the rulebook is to ensure transparent tracking and accounting of emission reductions while avoiding double counting.
In terms of global emissions reduction, Article 6 holds great potential in driving more comprehensive and cost-effective action. By engaging in carbon market-based trading, countries can maximize the mitigation outcomes of their NDCs, while also supporting necessary investments in sustainable development and green technologies.
As countries look towards COP27 and beyond, the implementation of Article 6 and the growth of voluntary carbon markets will play a critical role in meeting the global emissions reduction targets and climate commitments laid out by the Paris Agreement. Key focus areas should include bolstering the transparency, integrity, and effectiveness of the voluntary carbon markets, along with fostering sustained cooperation between nations to achieve their climate goals.
Footnotes
Challenges and Loopholes in Carbon Trading
Carbon trading, though seen as a promising mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, faces several challenges and loopholes that need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. One primary concern is the lack of standardization, integrity, and transparency1. With varying standards for carbon credits, companies may find it difficult to determine whether their emissions are genuinely reduced.
Offset quality is crucial in the carbon market, as low-quality offsets can undermine the intended environmental benefits. An offset represents a reduction or removal of greenhouse gas emissions that compensates for emissions elsewhere. To maintain integrity, offsets need to be real, measurable, additional, verifiable, and permanent2. However, inadequate oversight or weak monitoring can lead to offsets that might not meet these criteria.
Double counting of emissions reductions is another issue that plagues this system3. This occurs when the same emission reduction is claimed by both the seller (project owner) and the buyer (offset purchaser) for their respective climate goals. To prevent double counting, robust accounting systems and accurate tracking of offsets are required4.
There are also loopholes in the current carbon trading mechanisms. One such loophole is the potential for carbon leakage. Carbon leakage refers to a situation where strict emissions regulations in one country push industries to relocate to countries with more lenient regulations, thereby shifting emissions rather than reducing them5. This can diminish the overall effectiveness of carbon markets in reducing global emissions.
Additionally, the potential for short-term fixes creates another loophole. Companies may purchase offsets for quick compliance or public relations purposes without addressing their underlying emissions generating activities. This practice can result in a lack of real emission reductions over time6.
In summary, while carbon trading is a potentially powerful tool for reducing global emissions, several challenges and loopholes need to be addressed to ensure its effectiveness. Maintaining high-quality offsets, avoiding double counting, and closing the existing loopholes are some of the critical steps to make carbon trading an efficient and reliable mechanism in the fight against climate change.
Footnotes
Decarbonization and the Role of Different Sectors
Decarbonization is the process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, from various economic sectors like energy, transportation, and industry. Each sector contributes to global emissions differently, and their decarbonization strategies must be tailored accordingly.
The energy sector, responsible for the majority of emissions, has seen a gradual shift from coal and oil to natural gas and renewables. The growing focus on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, offers a viable path towards reducing emissions in this sector. Oil and gas producers are also exploring carbon capture and storage technologies to mitigate their environmental impact.
In the transportation industry, efforts to transition towards electric vehicles and more efficient fuels have gained momentum. Governments and private companies in the aviation sector are working on initiatives such as CORSIA, a global market-based mechanism, to offset carbon emissions from international flights.
Industries such as steel, cement, and manufacturing contribute to emissions through their energy-intensive production processes. Introduction of new, low-carbon technologies and greater energy efficiency are crucial to reducing their carbon footprint. For instance, achieving deep decarbonization through electrification and electricity-derived fuels can significantly lower emissions in energy-intensive sectors.
Deforestation and land use change, especially in developing countries, are key drivers of emissions and present challenges to mitigation efforts. Promoting sustainable land use practices, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration can help address this. In the voluntary carbon market, the trade of both removal credits (resulting from enhanced carbon sinks) and avoidance credits (preventing emissions through activities like conserving forests) can incentivize these activities.
Developed and developing countries will require international cooperation to facilitate this decarbonization transition, and voluntary carbon markets have an essential role to play. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement aims to establish a framework for such cooperation, enabling countries and businesses to achieve their emission reduction goals efficiently.
The interplay between these sectors and their decarbonization pathways serves as a foundation for the broader net-zero transition. Policymakers, businesses, and the public must work together to drive this transformation and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Future Prospects of Carbon Markets
The future of carbon markets appears promising, with increased global attention on climate change and the emergence of innovative mechanisms like Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. This article allows countries to voluntarily cooperate to achieve emission reduction targets and offers a platform for the exchange of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) [(source)].
One significant aspect of Article 6 is the integration of the Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCM). The VCM has grown from its early beginnings in the 1990s to a current value of more than $1 billion. It is forecasted to increase fifteen-fold by 2030, driven by the growing demand for carbon offsets and increased investments in carbon reduction projects [(source)].
Several factors are shaping the future of carbon markets:
- Development of international carbon markets that facilitate the exchange of ITMOs, which could potentially reduce transaction costs and increase market efficiency.
- Continued implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), which allows emission reduction projects in developing countries to earn certified emission reduction (CER) credits. These credits can be traded and sold, offering incentives for investment in sustainable development projects.
- Greater involvement of businesses and organizations in setting science-based targets for their emission reduction efforts, further stimulating demand for carbon credits (Science Based Targets initiative).
However, the development of a global marketplace for carbon credits is not without challenges. Ensuring the quality of offsets, preventing double counting, and addressing concerns over the environmental integrity of carbon credits remain crucial to the market’s viability.
In conclusion, the future prospects of carbon markets are influenced by international cooperation and the evolution of market mechanisms like Article 6. As interest in climate action continues to grow, the need for reliable and effective carbon markets becomes increasingly important. Further development of these markets will help drive global investments into sustainable and innovative solutions to climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Article 6 impact voluntary carbon market companies?
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement provides a framework for international cooperation on climate change mitigation, including the use of voluntary carbon markets. Its completion is expected to create a more robust regulatory environment for these markets and drive demand for carbon credits. Voluntary carbon market companies could benefit from increased credibility and improved access to finance, especially if Article 6 mechanisms are aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
What is the role of Article 6.2 and 6.4 in the Paris Agreement?
Article 6.2 and 6.4 play distinct roles in the Paris Agreement, providing two separate mechanisms for international cooperation on emissions reduction. Article 6.2 allows countries to collaborate on implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through the use of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). Meanwhile, Article 6.4 establishes a centralized mechanism to facilitate projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries and promote sustainable development. Both mechanisms aim to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in international carbon markets.
What are the key components of the Article 6 rulebook?
The Article 6 rulebook aims to provide clear guidelines for implementing the provisions of Article 6. Key components include rules for accounting, transparency, governance, and the promotion of sustainable development. The rulebook is intended to ensure that carbon markets are robust, trustworthy, and aligned with global climate goals. Some important aspects, like the treatment of corresponding adjustments for ITMOs and guidance for the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body, are still under negotiation.
How do corresponding adjustments work under Article 6?
Corresponding adjustments are a key accounting tool in the framework of Article 6, aiming to prevent double counting of emission reductions. When ITMOs are transferred between countries, corresponding adjustments are made to the emissions inventories of both the transferring and acquiring countries. This ensures that emission reductions are only counted once towards the fulfillment of NDCs and maintains the integrity of the carbon markets.
What is the function of the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body?
The Article 6.4 Supervisory Body is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the centralized mechanism established under Article 6.4. It will review and approve projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries, ensure that these projects are contributing to sustainable development, and monitor their overall impact on emissions reduction. The Supervisory Body will play a key role in ensuring the effectiveness and credibility of the Article 6.4 mechanism.
How do Article 6 and ITMOs relate to each other?
Article 6 establishes the foundation for international cooperation on climate change mitigation through the use of ITMOs. ITMOs are units representing emission reductions that can be transferred between countries to help meet their NDCs under the Paris Agreement. They are a key component of the Article 6.2 mechanism, allowing countries to engage in cooperative approaches to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. By working together and leveraging the flexibility of ITMOs, countries can achieve more ambitious emission reduction targets and drive progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Financely’s Carbon Project Development Services
Financely Group offers a comprehensive range of services in the field of carbon project development, focusing on assisting clients with green energy projects in emerging markets. Their expertise covers various aspects of the process, including project origination and full scope services.
Project origination is a critical step in carbon project development, as it involves identifying potential projects that can generate certified carbon credits. Financely excels in assisting their clients in finding suitable projects that not only have potential for generating carbon credits, but also align with the clients’ goals and objectives.
Once a project has been identified, Financely works closely with their clients to provide full scope services. This includes managing the entire process of obtaining certified carbon credits for the projects, from project design and implementation to certification and registration with relevant authorities. Their Carbon Finance team possesses extensive knowledge of the various methodologies and standards applicable for different types of projects, ensuring successful project execution.
In addition to their project development expertise, Financely has a strong presence in the voluntary carbon markets. These markets enable companies to offset their carbon footprint by purchasing certified carbon credits generated by green energy projects. Through their established network and market insight, Financely helps clients sell their carbon credits on the voluntary carbon exchanges, providing a valuable revenue stream for the projects.
In summary, Financely’s Carbon Project Development Services offer a comprehensive solution for clients looking to invest in green energy projects and participate in the expanding voluntary carbon markets. Their expertise in project origination and full scope services, combined with their strong presence in the voluntary carbon markets, make them a reliable partner in the carbon finance space.