Carbon Market Convergence

This graphic shows the indicative flow of project-based carbon credits to various end-use sources of demand. In the past, most credits were used by companies for corporate offsetting in the voluntary carbon market (VCM), with some use in national/regional compliance carbon markets. This picture is beginning to shift to include new sources of demand for credits in the emerging compliance carbon markets, both national and under the UN.

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LATEST VISUAL LEARNING

This chart shows the total amount of man-made emissions created by the world's biggest polluters.
The amount of atmospheric CO2 has charted a steady climb higher. The Mauna Loa Observatory on the north flank of volcano of the same name
The European Commission proposed several important changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in March after recent pushback from industry over rising costs.
Brown coal, also known as lignite or 'soft coal', is a combustible sedimentary rock formed of naturally compressed peat.
It’s not clear to many how carbon credits come into existence. They don’t just ‘pop up’ in the way central banks increase the currency supply.

24 March 2026

HIGHLIGHT
EC touts major carbon market changes after pressure from industry

The European Commission proposed several important changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in March after recent pushback from industry over rising costs.

23 March 2026

GLOSSARY
Brown Coal/Lignite

Brown coal, also known as lignite or 'soft coal', is a combustible sedimentary rock formed of naturally compressed peat.

18 March 2026

VISUAL LEARNING
How Are Carbon Credits Issued?

It’s not clear to many how carbon credits come into existence. They don’t just ‘pop up’ in the way central banks increase the currency supply.

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