Subscribe to the Carbon Times Weekly

Verra and CCAG Partner to Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity

Verra, a leading standard-setter for the voluntary carbon market, has partnered with the Climate Crisis Advisory Group (CCAG) to enhance the scientific foundation and trustworthiness of carbon credits. This research alliance will assess the Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program’s impact on climate, biodiversity, and social factors. CCAG, comprising global climate experts, will review and […]

Read More… from Verra and CCAG Partner to Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Market Integrity

Enhancing Hydrogen Production with Bimetallic Photocatalysts

Researchers have developed a two-dimensional bimetallic catalyst combining platinum nanoparticles with a supercrystal structure of gold nanoparticles, showing a significant increase in hydrogen production from formic acid under visible light and solar irradiance. This catalyst capitalizes on the interaction between plasmonic and catalytic properties, where electric field intensity at ‘hotspots’ correlates with heightened catalytic activity, […]

Read More… from Enhancing Hydrogen Production with Bimetallic Photocatalysts

Revitalizing the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market: COP28 Backs Credibility Measures

At COP28, banks, officials, and regulators supported efforts to restore the credibility of the voluntary carbon credit market, which has been damaged by allegations of unreliability. Certification bodies like Verra are aiming to align with new standards from the Integrity Council for Voluntary Carbon Markets to ensure authenticity and prevent double-counting. The US climate envoy […]

Read More… from Revitalizing the Voluntary Carbon Credit Market: COP28 Backs Credibility Measures

Azerbaijan to host COP29 amid debate on Fossil Fuel Producers leading Climate Talks

Azerbaijan is set to host the 2024 UN climate conference (COP29), marking the second year a major fossil fuel producer will lead the summit. The decision came after Russia blocked EU countries’ bids and a resolution between Azerbaijan and Armenia removed potential vetoes. While the choice awaits formal ratification, it’s likely to pass as a […]

Read More… from Azerbaijan to host COP29 amid debate on Fossil Fuel Producers leading Climate Talks

China’s Shift in Power Pricing: A New Dawn for Energy Storage

China is adjusting its electricity rates to favor energy storage systems over solar providers amidst a surge in solar capacity. Time-of-day pricing is being implemented across numerous provinces, reducing solar revenues during their peak generation but benefiting storage systems like batteries, which can capitalize on the fluctuating prices. This move reflects China’s challenge in balancing […]

Read More… from China’s Shift in Power Pricing: A New Dawn for Energy Storage

The Dubious Reality behind Corporate Climate Success Stories

Verra, an NGO based in a nondescript Washington, D.C. office, dominates the voluntary carbon credit market, certifying 75% of offsets. Companies like Apple and Volkswagen purchase these credits, claiming to offset their CO2 emissions through various projects, including forest conservation. However, investigations by DIE ZEIT, The Guardian, and SourceMaterial reveal that many of these carbon […]

Read More… from The Dubious Reality behind Corporate Climate Success Stories

China: Nuclear-Powered Container Ship Design with Near-Zero Emissions

At the Marintec China 2023 expo, Jiangnan Shipyard, under China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, introduced the design for what is claimed to be the world’s largest nuclear-powered container ship. This 24000TEU-class vessel, boasting near-zero emissions, is powered by a Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) that operates at high temperatures and moderate pressures to significantly reduce the […]

Read More… from China: Nuclear-Powered Container Ship Design with Near-Zero Emissions

Controversy Surrounds Carbon Credit Deals in Vulnerable Nations

Dubai-based Blue Carbon aims to acquire rights to develop carbon credits in African forests, with deals potentially involving significant land areas in Liberia, Zimbabwe, and other nations. This has raised concerns over inadequate community consultation, vague promises, and risks to local livelihoods. Critics argue that such deals may prioritize investor profits over environmental and social […]

Read More… from Controversy Surrounds Carbon Credit Deals in Vulnerable Nations

Global Power Sector Emissions Nearing Peak

At #COP28, nations are discussing the ‘decision text’ which includes the possibility of agreeing to peak global emissions before 2025 and addresses fossil fuel reduction. Evidence suggests the power sector is on the brink of peaking, as the growth of wind and solar energy is meeting the majority of the increase in electricity demand, potentially […]

Read More… from Global Power Sector Emissions Nearing Peak

Test: Carbon Capture with Rock Dust on Farmland

A large-scale experiment, backed by a +57 US$ million investment from companies including Stripe and Alphabet, is set to explore the potential of using basalt rock dust on farmland to absorb atmospheric carbon. This natural process, known as enhanced rock weathering, entails spreading fine basalt dust across fields which then reacts with CO2 to form […]

Read More… from Test: Carbon Capture with Rock Dust on Farmland

Day 7 @ COP28

Beside all the details, here is a good, bit rough news summary of what the 7th day @ #Cop28 brought, beside Putins visit. The UN conference continues, as 2023 becomes the world’s hottest year on record…. “intentions won’t halve emissions”… Quelle: COP28: Tipping points, city plans and Putin’s visit to the UAE on day 7 […]

Read More… from Day 7 @ COP28

RGGI Auction 62 starts

Let’s see what the RGGI Auction – which starts today – bring. The “Expiration date for bond or letter of credit submitted as financial security” is not later then the 21st of December, so in about two weeks time. This page contains the Auction Notice, information for potential bidders, and application materials for the 62nd […]

Read More… from RGGI Auction 62 starts