The voluntary carbon market is in the midst of a number of major changes and developments that affect its operation now and into the future.  
  

The Taskforce for Scaling the Voluntary Carbon Market blueprint could spur new mechanics for trading in the voluntary carbon market, including upgraded infrastructure and a drive for standardisation and integrity. Meanwhile, the WWF Blueprint for Corporate Action on Climate and Nature and the Net Zero Standard under consultation by the Science Based Targets Initiative will establish new norms for best practice in the use of carbon credits in the context of credible corporate climate action.  

 
And importantly, this November, UNFCCC negotiators are due to adopt guidance under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, expected to provide the framework for carbon trading in the post-2020 period and set a benchmark for activities serving the voluntary market, as the CDM has done historically.

Now is the time to ensure the voluntary market reflects these developments and is positioned to scale with integrity, mobilising finance for much-needed, high-impact climate action.

For credibility and public trust, the voluntary carbon market needs to align with the Paris Agreement, not attempt to stay on the side lines playing by its own rules.

Toward this end, Gold Standard is pleased to share two documents for consultation:

With this evolution, Gold Standard's goal is to ensure that:

• The changes ahead of us take place in a way that protects and strengthens integrity, driving progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 
• Gold Standard projects continue to represent best practice and are both demanded by buyers and eligible for a broad spectrum of markets 
• We facilitate a fair and thoughtful transition for our existing project developers, whilst recognising that not all changes are directly in Gold Standard’s control

 
This consultation is open to comment until 15 April 2021. Input received will inform how Gold Standard updates its rules, requirements and criteria to reflect the new context, and in particular emerging UN requirements under the Paris Agreement. 
 
Comments should be addressed to: standards@goldstandard.org  

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