Global Carbon Leaders Push for Policy Clarity to Boost Voluntary Markets

A coalition of over 20 influential organisations in the carbon space is calling on governments worldwide to step up and provide clearer policy support for voluntary environmental action, as part of broader efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals.

The appeal—initiated by Singapore’s GenZero and supported by groups like the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (IC-VCM)—emphasises that voluntary corporate action can play a critical role in delivering additional environmental finance. This, in turn, would support countries in meeting their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under Article 6 of the agreement.

‘While host countries have the option to authorise mitigation outcomes for voluntary corporate use, this is not always required’, the statement clarified.

The coalition is urging national authorities to issue clear guidance that enables both public and private actors to work together more effectively. That includes identifying priority sectors for investment on the supply side, and setting transparent disclosure rules for buyers on the demand side.

Article 6 allows countries to collaborate by transferring emission reductions, known as mitigation outcomes, to meet their green pledges. The signatories stressed the importance of aligning national green strategies with Article 6 requirements—especially when it comes to Corresponding Adjustments (CAs), which prevent double counting of credits.

The statement also pressed for government-backed procurement models and offtake mechanisms to support innovative and transitional projects that meet both domestic and internationally recognised standards.

To build trust in the market, the group underlined the need for robust monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV), public registries, and accessible data. They highlighted the potential of carbon ratings agencies to enhance transparency, reduce risk, and make price discovery more efficient.

Both emission reductions—such as preventing deforestation and cutting methane—and carbon removals like afforestation and direct air capture, were noted as essential components of credible strategies going forward.

‘Policymakers can play a crucial role in creating enabling environments for thriving high-integrity carbon markets that channel scaled private finance to environmental solutions that would not otherwise be viable’, said Amy Merril, CEO of IC-VCM.

Among the supporters of this call to action are leading registries Verra and Gold Standard, ratings platforms like Sylvera and BeZero, and global institutions including the World Bank and IETA.