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Carbon credits in 2024: What to expect in 2025 and beyond ($250B by 2050)

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Carbon Credits or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The global carbon credit market, valued at $1.4 billion in 2024, struggled with stagnant demand and falling prices, averaging $4.8 per ton
Despite these challenges, growing corporate climate commitments and new regulatory frameworks hint at significant market expansion
Projections suggest the market could grow to $7–$35 billion by 2030 and up to $250 billion by 2050

🔭 The context: Carbon credits, representing one ton of CO2 reduced or removed, have been crucial for achieving climate targets, yet the market faces criticism over quality and transparency
In 2024, over 6,200 projects issued 305 million credits, though retirements plateaued at 180 million
Concerns about fraud and the credibility of some credits have hindered immediate growth

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A well-functioning carbon credit market can help bridge the gap between corporate emissions and net-zero goals
High-quality carbon removal projects are increasingly recognized as essential to limiting global warming
Advancing market integrity and boosting trust will be critical in making carbon credits a reliable tool in climate action

⏭️ What's next: In 2025, rising demand from sectors like aviation and stricter standards under frameworks such as the Paris Agreement’s Article 6 may boost the market
Policies like the U.S. transparency laws and the EU’s Green Claims Directive aim to enhance credibility
By 2050, a majority of the market value could shift to engineered solutions like direct air capture, reflecting technological advancements and increased corporate reliance on offsets

💬 One quote: “As 2030 approaches, the demand for high-quality credits is likely to rise, thawing the frozen market and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors alike.” – Jennifer L

📈 One stat: By 2024, over 2.1 billion carbon credits had been issued globally since the 2016 Paris Agreement, but only 180 million were retired last year

Click for more news covering the latest on carbon market

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