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The Climate Action Gap: Why Most Companies Fall Short on Execution
A new report reveals a stark disconnect between corporate climate commitments and the operational infrastructure needed to deliver tangible results.
22 Oct 20262 min read
How companies use carbon credits in their net-zero and emissions strategies.
Companies set net zero targets, report emissions across their value chains and make claims about the carbon credits they buy. Rules on what counts toward a target are tightening, so how a company uses credits matters as much as how many it buys.
These articles follow corporate buyers, target-setting guidance and the disclosure rules that shape how companies talk about carbon.
A new report reveals a stark disconnect between corporate climate commitments and the operational infrastructure needed to deliver tangible results.
A consortium including Tokyo Gas, Idemitsu Kosan and Mizuho Bank signals growing institutional commitment to scaling carbon offset project development.
The Commission's backing of 77 projects signals accelerating capital deployment toward commercial-stage decarbonization technologies.
Google and McKinsey's combined commitment to 320,000 Brazilian nature restoration credits signals institutional appetite for integrated farming-based carbon removal.
Google and McKinsey's investment in Working Trees signals growing corporate appetite for nature-based carbon solutions on underutilized agricultural land.
Market mechanisms alone cannot bridge the gap between climate commitments and decarbonization outcomes across India's industrial sector.
The South Korean conglomerate's entry into the voluntary carbon market signals growing institutional interest in offset trading among major Asian corporations.
The data center operator's major Anthropic partnership highlights tensions between emissions reduction commitments and rapid AI infrastructure scaling.
The integration of carbon market revenues into corporate cash flow structures is reshaping how financial institutions evaluate green credit risk and deployment capacity.
A World Bank partnership combines concessional lending with carbon markets to demonstrate how climate policy can generate commercial returns.
A United Nations official has cautioned that African countries risk absorbing costlier emission reduction projects if they export carbon credits without first securing their own climate targets.
The corporate buyer coalition's offtake deal with 44.01 represents a significant validation of direct air capture methods that rely on geological storage rather than utilization pathways.
Fertiglobe's push for equitable funding allocation highlights growing concerns about whether the carbon border mechanism truly levels competitive ground.
Power sector and business groups are pushing back against market volatility and government intervention that threatens long-term decarbonisation funding.
The French airport's achievement of the highest carbon accreditation tier demonstrates the viability of aggressive emissions reduction strategies in the aviation industry.
The South African building materials producer is leveraging verified offsets from clean cooking initiatives to advance environmental targets while generating community impact.
The move opens a new revenue stream for the North African nation while providing exporters with compliance tools, though regulatory gaps limit their utility.
Physical trading venues exist, but the sector lacks the transparent pricing mechanisms necessary for informed corporate climate investment decisions.
As CCS technology gains traction for industrial decarbonization, the absence of robust insurance frameworks threatens to constrain capital deployment across the sector.
As terrestrial solar capacity reaches historic highs, U.S. military investment in orbital power generation raises questions about priorities in decarbonization.
The mining giant's trial targets a sector responsible for roughly 7% of global emissions, testing whether capture tech can scale beyond niche applications.
Industry participants acknowledge voluntary carbon markets have stalled at an awkward maturity stage, requiring structural fixes to become routine business infrastructure.
The company's latest transaction underscores growing corporate appetite for community-based carbon projects amid questions about market maturation.
Industrial leaders investing early in clean technology face carbon cost penalties under current ETS rules, creating a perverse incentive against climate action.
The Dutch energy company's expanded partnership reflects growing corporate appetite for permanent carbon solutions as offset markets face scrutiny.
The sector faces an inherent emissions challenge that conventional efficiency measures cannot solve, making removal technology essential to meeting climate targets.
The direct air capture developer's shift toward channel partners signals a strategic pivot in how carbon removal credits reach corporate buyers.
Heidelberg Materials' call for robust carbon pricing highlights the interplay between EU climate policy certainty and industrial decarbonization technology deployment.
The German firm's Series B round signals investor confidence in energy systems designed to offset emissions while generating electricity.
NEG8 Carbon's membership signals growing convergence between carbon removal technologies and the energy-intensive computing sector.
Premium automakers are accessing carbon credit revenues from the Chinese EV manufacturer's international expansion, signaling a shift in how the industry captures value from decarbonization.
The Japanese maritime giant's minority stake acquisition demonstrates growing appetite among logistics firms to diversify into subsurface CO2 storage infrastructure.
Climate Impact Partners research finds most carbon credit buyers report business returns as quality outweighs price.
Carbon pricing and constrained low-carbon supply are turning early decarbonisation into a measurable commercial edge, McKinsey analysis finds.
Australian coal sector credit demand is projected to reach 12 million tonnes by FY2029-30, increasingly met by land-based ACCUs.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO plan to merge their corporate carbon accounting standards into one approach for reporting emissions.
SBTi's Net-Zero Standard 2.0 introduces a three-tier scheme for ongoing emissions, built on Gold Standard's new OER framework.
Q2 2026 carbon retirements fell as value and prices rose, with quality, corporate standards and compliance reshaping demand.
Google reaffirmed its 2030 net-zero target as AI energy demands mount, signing 16 new carbon removal deals in 2025.
Updated SBTi standard recognises carbon credits, with experts forecasting strong growth in demand.
Retirement activity across corporate, CDR, and regulatory segments accelerates, with Hess, Puro.earth, and South Africa leading volumes.
New report finds that nearly three-quarters of Fortune Global 500 firms now hold climate targets, with 44% planning to incorporate carbon credits.
A 12-week public consultation has opened on ISO 14060, the world’s first international standard for net zero transition planning.
Amazon's Sustainability Exchange is open to UK businesses, offering vetted carbon credits covering forests, ecosystems, and carbon removal projects.
SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 introduces an OER framework for carbon credit recognition alongside direct emissions reductions.
The global carbon-credit market committed a record $22 billion in 2025, as buyers shift to forward procurement amid tightening high-quality supply.
SBTi's 2026–2030 strategy sets a 2026 deadline for its revised net-zero standard and a 2027 deadline for guidance on carbon credit use.
Norway and Morocco sign a bilateral carbon market agreement focused on Article 6.2, ITMOs, and renewable energy investment.
CaixaBank has launched a centralised platform allowing corporate clients to buy, sell, and manage verified carbon credits through a single account.
TotalEnergies spent $28m on carbon credits in Q1 2026, its largest first-quarter outlay since it began buying credits in 2021.
SBTi has revised how companies calculate near-term emissions reduction rates, with immediate effect for targets set under the Corporate Net-Zero Standard.
A roundup of key carbon market discussions at ECS 2026, covering policy gaps, aviation decarbonisation, CBAM risks, and credit integrity standards.
SBTi's 2025 data shows record growth in corporate climate targets, with Asia posting the fastest regional gains and net-zero commitments up 61%.
Tokyo's Carbon Credit Utilisation Promotion Project returns for FY2026, offering grants to businesses developing carbon credit projects under Japan's J-Credit scheme.
Carbon credit regulation is tightening globally. Here's what the 2025–2026 policy shifts mean for buyers sourcing and verifying credits.
UK aviation coalition Sustainable Aviation pledges $2.5M in carbon removal credits to advance GGR markets and support net-zero aviation by 2050.
The EU has approved a binding 90% GHG emissions target for 2040, with international carbon credits set to count toward compliance from 2036.
SBTi's updated FLAG Guidance Version 1.2 introduces five changes to no-deforestation commitments, effective immediately for 2026 submissions.
Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team is expanding its carbon removal portfolio with Cur8 across six technologies and key global regions.
Germany’s net-zero plans rely on rapid carbon removal scale-up, with new research highlighting risks, infrastructure gaps and policy needs.
Vietnam launches the $102M Recaf project with the UN to restore 145,000 hectares and cut 6.68M tonnes of CO2 in its coffee regions.
10,000 companies now have validated science-based targets. Representing 40% of the global market cap, science is the new business standard.
China’s new national climate standard targets 2028 for mandatory compliance. Learn how the shift to double materiality is reshaping global ESG.
The primary carbon market surged to $15.8bn in 2025, led by a $7.3bn boom in corporate forward deals and a massive shift toward high-quality removals.
Explore how circularity lowers emissions, boosts resource efficiency, and shapes the future of carbon markets through smarter material use.
IKEA launches a 4,000-hectare forest restoration project in Brazil as part of its global carbon removal strategy and long-term net-zero goals.
Luxury brands launch a unified ESG data system to streamline supplier reporting and support Europe’s fashion decarbonisation goals.
GCCA report says stronger global policy support and CCUS scale-up are essential for the concrete sector to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
COP30 delivers major updates on adaptation finance, carbon markets, and global action as countries accelerate implementation and high-integrity standards.
Global companies are strengthening net-zero targets and expanding decarbonisation tools, according to Accenture’s latest analysis.
SBTi publishes a new net-zero draft with a framework for ongoing emissions responsibility and carbon credit recognition, now open for consultation.
UK review suggests airlines should buy carbon removal credits to meet net-zero targets, reshaping aviation’s role in green policy.
Carbon markets, CDR, and urban innovation took centre stage at NYCW 2025, revealing new momentum for global decarbonisation.
Australia sets a 2035 emissions cut of 62–70%, backed by carbon removals, offsets, and $5.4B in new funding for net zero transition.
Spain will require carbon reporting from 2026, with Scope 3 rules from 2028, as part of a $32B plan to boost clean energy and resilience.
Corporate green targets triple in 18 months, led by Asia’s rapid adoption and key sectors driving the net-zero transition.
South Africa’s revised environmental pledge cuts emissions further for 2031–2035 and strengthens its roadmap to reach net zero by 2050.
SBTi releases net-zero framework to guide banks, investors, and insurers in cutting emissions and aligning portfolios with green goals.
SBTi puts oil & gas rules on hold to focus on CNZS 2.0, set to reshape global corporate net-zero strategies by 2026.
SBTi now requires companies to review their targets every five years. New rules aim to boost transparency and credibility.
Nestlé signs major carbon credit deals in Brazil to boost cocoa agroforestry and reforestation, aiming to meet long-term net-zero goals.
Carbon capture and offsets could surpass $1 trillion in value by 2050 as net-zero policies and demand for removals gain global momentum.
Explore how blue carbon and nature-based solutions can drive real climate impact—and why they belong in every credible net-zero strategy.
TikTok’s parent ByteDance secures 100,000 premium carbon credits from Rubicon Carbon to support its 2030 net-zero target.
Meta invites partners to submit projects that cut emissions across its supply chain as part of its 2030 net-zero goal.
Singapore proposes draft rules to guide corporate carbon credit use, aiming to boost confidence in the voluntary carbon market.
Radisson opens the first fully Verified Net Zero hotels in Europe—powered by renewables and designed for green travel.
Almond Financial offsets 16 tCO₂e and plants trees as part of its annual Net Zero plan, aligning with the UK’s 2050 green targets.
VCMI’s new Code of Practice guides companies on how to reduce Scope 3 emissions and use high-quality carbon credits responsibly.
New data shows most companies are sticking with their net-zero plans. Here’s what that means for business strategies.
Apple retired a record 737,100 carbon credits in 2024 as its corporate emissions surged 41%, signalling strong offset demand.
PwC finds most companies are maintaining or increasing sustainable goals, with small businesses now taking the lead in carbon target setting.
Amazon’s new credit service offers high-quality carbon credits to help businesses reach science-based net-zero targets.
SBTi’s latest net-zero draft opens public feedback, pushing carbon removals and emissions tracking into sharper corporate focus.
Apple has retired 100,000 jurisdictional carbon credits from Guyana, marking its first use of ART-issued offsets in its evolving corporate sustainability strategy.
TikTok partners with Climeworks to remove 5,100 tonnes of CO₂ by 2030, tackling its massive carbon footprint and pushing for sustainability.
The global carbon market hit $16.3B in 2024 as corporate demand for high-quality credits soared. Discover the trends driving this rapid growth.
Singapore updates its emissions reduction target, pledging up to a 25% cut by 2035. Higher carbon taxes and global partnerships are key to its net-zero pathway.
Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 invests in large-scale reforestation as part of its sustainability push toward net zero by 2040.
Ferrari’s revenue hit €6.68B, up 11.8%, as it prepares to launch its first fully electric supercar.
Lego invests $2.6m in carbon removal projects, supporting reforestation, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering as part of its sustainability strategy.
Microsoft strengthens its carbon removal strategy with a new 7M CDR credit deal from Chestnut Carbon, reinforcing its leadership in corporate sustainability.
Japan is spearheading the global carbon market with a $70 billion net-zero strategy, combining innovation, partnerships, and nature-based solutions.
Learn the basics of carbon units: what they are, how they work, and their role in achieving net-zero emissions.
New Zealand’s ambitious emissions plan sets a 2026-2030 cap, reforms the ETS, and outlines key policies for achieving its 2050 net-zero target.
EU Green Bonds cut 55M tonnes of CO₂ annually, driving net-zero efforts. Transparent investments in transport, energy, and biodiversity lead global sustainability.
Discover how Saudi Aramco's carbon credits approach sets a standard for corporate responsibility and drives a sustainable future. Learn more about carbon markets!
Taiwan Carbon Exchange (TCX) to offer carbon credits from Myanmar's Verra-certified blue carbon project, supporting Taiwan's net-zero goals and enhancing carbon trading options.
The West African Alliance on Carbon Markets calls on SBTi to include offsets in corporate claims, highlighting their importance for climate finance.
Airlines will spend $600M on Corsia offsets in 2024 to meet ICAO's decarbonization targets, according to IATA's annual outlook.
Aéroports de Paris (ADP) seeks to buy 100,000 tonnes of carbon credits to meet net zero targets ahead of the Olympics. Learn about the market dynamics and future prospects.
The US government has unveiled a new set of principles to enhance the integrity of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), aiming to restore market confidence and unlock investment in domestic and international decarbonization projects. Discover how these guidelines will impact carbon credits and corporate
Discover the challenges and strategies for achieving the Paris Agreement goals. Learn why 16 billion tonnes of carbon removal by 2050 is crucial, the role of emerging technologies, and the importance of carbon pricing in the journey towards a net-zero future.
Discover how Klarna is advancing its climate action efforts by doubling its internal carbon price to $200 per tonne, thereby increasing its contributions to environmental projects despite reducing its own emissions. Explore the impact of this strategic move within the broader context of corporate su
Explore the net-zero target gap between private and public firms and the upcoming EU regulations poised to transform corporate sustainability standards.
NetZero secures $19.5M to expand high-impact biochar operations in Brazil, potentially transforming carbon removal practices and boosting local agriculture.
SBTi announces the acceptance of carbon credits for tackling Scope 3 emissions, marking a significant shift in corporate climate strategy and voluntary carbon market engagement.
Discover how NetZero's innovative €18m funding and partnership with Nespresso aims to revolutionize biochar production in the tropics, targeting over 5 million tonnes of CO2 removal by 2030.
Novocarbo raises €25M for Carbon Removal Parks in Europe, aiming for net-zero with biochar technology & SWEN CP's support.
Saudi Aramco outlines its strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, including using 16 million carbon offsets annually. Learn about their ambitious climate goals, interim targets, and investments in renewable energy.