What makes a carbon credit truly 'high integrity'?

As the carbon market evolves, so too does the definition of 'integrity'. With growing scrutiny around 'quality', 'impact', and 'ethical practices', stakeholders across the market are working to raise the bar—from benchmark setters and project developers to regulators and rating agencies.

In our latest blog, we unpack:

• The meaning of 'high-integrity carbon credits'
• Explain how integrity differs from quality
• And spotlight the key players shaping this critical shift

And if you want to get a deeper understanding of why integrity matters now more than ever, download our quickguide:

16 Sept: Carbon market trends and insights for buyers

Join us for a 45-minute webinar designed for sustainability leads and procurement teams in Europe navigating the shifting landscape of the carbon market. We'll unpack the latest signals, the growing emphasis on quality and risk, and what it all means for today's carbon credit buyers.

Join the APAC session | Join the Europe session

Short on time? Here are 5 must-read articles to keep up with the climate industry.

1. The Carbon Brief - ICJ: What the world court’s landmark opinion means for climate change

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a landmark advisory opinion declaring that nations have legally binding duties under both climate treaties and broader international law to prevent significant harm from greenhouse‑gas emissions, including via fossil fuel production and subsidies. It underscores that limiting global warming to 1.5 °C is a primary goal, obliging countries to ensure their climate pledges collectively align with this threshold. Although not legally binding, the ruling opens the door to reparations and could significantly bolster climate litigation and accountability efforts.

2. Business Green - COP30: We Mean Business Coalition urges corporates to show up in Belém

The We Mean Business Coalition is calling on corporate leaders to turn up in force at COP30 in Belém, underlining that private‑sector engagement will be critical to ensuring climate policies translate into real‑world change. Highlighting how businesses have previously driven ambition—from fossil fuel phase‑outs to structural reform—the coalition warns that inaction would cede space to industry lobbyists. With clean energy investment outpacing fossil fuel funding, the private sector has a pivotal role to play in shaping a resilient, low‑carbon future.

3. Carbon Brief - The Carbon Brief Interview: UK climate envoy Rachel Kyte

In this in‑depth interview, UK climate envoy Rachel Kyte shares her expert perspective on the current global climate landscape, highlighting key diplomatic opportunities and challenges ahead. She discusses strategies for accelerating equitable climate finance, fostering resilience in vulnerable communities, and the role of leadership and collaboration in delivering on Paris targets. Her insights offer an authoritative and forward‑looking take on how the UK and its partners can help catalyse more effective climate action.

4. Project Syndicate - COP30 Must Make Good on Past Climate Commitments

In this commentary, Jacinda Ardern, Carlos Lopes, and Laurence Tubiana argue that COP30 offers a vital opportunity to reaffirm and deliver on previously agreed climate commitments rather than merely setting new goals. They emphasise the urgency of implementing existing pledges, strengthening institutional frameworks, and scaling up support for adaptation and mitigation—particularly for developing countries. This practical, action‑focused agenda aims to restore credibility to the UN climate process and accelerate progress toward global climate goals.

5. Climate Home News - Plastics treaty talks collapse without a deal after “chaotic” negotiations

Negotiations over a global plastics treaty in Geneva ended without agreement, as countries remained deeply divided on whether the framework should include limits on plastic production or focus solely on end‑of‑life management. The talks were described as “chaotic,” with no legal accord reached to address the broader lifecycle of plastics. With over a decade and multiple rounds of talks now stalled, this collapse signals a critical setback in efforts to curb plastic pollution and underscores the need for renewed momentum.