Carbon Markets: Building Trust, Access and Investment
Carbon markets are entering a critical phase. As scrutiny of carbon credits increases, the future of the market will depend not only on environmental integrity but also on its ability to connect capital with high-quality projects and expand participation beyond a relatively small group of established actors.
This discussion will explore the practical challenges facing carbon markets today. Participants will examine how integrity frameworks, governance standards, and transparency mechanisms can strengthen confidence in carbon credits while ensuring that markets remain accessible and effective. The conversation will also address a persistent market challenge: connecting project developers with the right investors and buyers. While demand exists for credible climate solutions, many project developers, local enterprises, and emerging market innovators continue to struggle to access capital and navigate market requirements.
Particular attention will be given to the barriers facing SMEs, startups, and locally led projects seeking to participate in carbon markets. How can market structures be designed to reduce transaction costs, improve market access, and support a broader pipeline of high-quality projects? What role should intermediaries, standards bodies, investors, and corporate buyers play in creating more efficient and equitable markets?
As carbon markets mature, their success will depend not only on the quality of credits generated but also on the quality of the systems that connect projects, capital, and buyers. This conversation will explore what it takes to build carbon markets that are trusted, accessible, and capable of delivering climate impact at scale.
Discussion Group Leaders
Brice Böhmer is Climate Lead at Transparency International, advancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in climate governance and finance.
Tonthoza Uganja is Founder of Sustainable Farming Solutions, restoring African landscapes through carbon-funded agroforestry and farmer-led climate resilience initiatives.
Discussion Questions
What governance and integrity measures are most important for strengthening trust and confidence in carbon markets?
Why do so many project developers, SMEs, and startups struggle to access carbon markets, and how can those barriers be reduced?
How can carbon markets better connect project developers with investors and buyers seeking high-quality climate outcomes?
What changes are needed to ensure carbon markets deliver both environmental integrity and broader participation as they continue to grow?