Binding models for global climate action

🌍 The End of Carbon Neutrality: A Call for Honest Climate Responsibility The era of "carbon neutrality" is over. For too long, companies have leaned on flawed offset models to claim their emissions have been “canceled out.” These claims, often built on carbon credits riddled with uncertainties—like additionality, permanence, and double counting—have not only failed to deliver real climate benefits but have actively delayed meaningful action. ⚠️ The problem is clear:  Misleading claims undermine public trust, distract from the urgent need to cut emissions and stall progress toward a sustainable future. Companies that continue to rely on these outdated approaches risk falling behind as regulations tighten and public expectations rise. 🙌 It’s time for a better way.   The Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) model offers a credible, transparent alternative to the broken “carbon neutrality” narrative. Now supported by nearly 50 leading climate organizations—including Carbon Market Watch, Gold Standard, and the Compensate Foundation—BVCM focuses on accountability and real impact. Here’s how it works:   1️⃣ Prioritize internal reductions: Companies must focus on cutting emissions within their operations first, aligned with the 1.5°C target.   2️⃣ Fund high-impact climate action: Use internal carbon pricing or other mechanisms to support projects outside the value chain. These contributions should be additional, measurable, and rigorously vetted.   3️⃣ Communicate honestly: Stop making claims that emissions are “neutralized.” Instead, be transparent about reductions and contributions without overstating the impact. ⏰ Why Now? The world is at a tipping point. The EU is tightening rules on misleading claims, banning terms like “carbon neutral” unless backed by robust evidence. Public scrutiny of carbon credit markets is growing, with systemic issues like double counting and non-additionality under fire. Shifting from offset models to contribution models is more than just a regulatory necessity—it’s a chance to rebuild trust, demonstrate genuine responsibility, and drive the systemic change the climate crisis demands.  🔗 Sign the statement and support the shift to a BVCM model 👉 https://lnkd.in/dQbiZNZE #ClimateAction #BVCM #BeyondOffsets #CarbonMarkets https://lnkd.in/dMZnHSxu

Leveraging International Cooperation for Climate Goals: The Role of ITMOs: As we progress towards a more collaborative era of climate action, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement offers us innovative tools like Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). But what are ITMOs, and why should we, as sustainability professionals, take notice? ITMOs represent a groundbreaking approach where countries can partner to achieve their climate goals more efficiently. They allow for the exchange of emission reductions, enabling countries to finance and claim climate progress through global partnerships. Here's why ITMOs could be a game-changer: 1-    Flexibility in Meeting NDCs: ITMOs provide countries with the flexibility to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by investing in emission reductions globally. 2-    Stimulating Sustainable Development: By investing in mitigation projects overseas, ITMOs can foster sustainable development in host countries, aligning climate action with economic growth. 3-   Enhancing Transparency: ITMOs encourage transparent reporting and tracking of climate efforts, promoting trust and accountability in international climate cooperation. 4-   Fostering Global Solidarity: The mechanism exemplifies how global solidarity can play a pivotal role in confronting climate challenges, pooling resources, and expertise for greater impact. The potential of ITMOs is not just in carbon trading—it's about catalyzing a cooperative spirit that transcends borders for the health of our planet. As we navigate the complexities of climate commitments, let's explore how such collaborative mechanisms can amplify our impact. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #ParisAgreement #ITMOs #Collaboration #NDCs

For a country to export #carbon credits to another country or entity under #Article6 of the #ParisAgreement, several critical elements must be in place.   A complete Letter of Authorisation (LoA), aligned with the latest #COP29 guidance, alongside a robust Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and an up-to-date greenhouse gas (#GHG) inventory, is essential.    However, to ensure the issuance of a Corresponding Adjustment, the authorising government must also have the necessary systems, legislation, and reporting processes established.   To support this, Climate Action Center of Excellence (CACE), in collaboration with emsurge, has developed an Article 6 Country Readiness Checklist, which includes a 19-item Article 6 Framework Checklist. This checklist provides a comprehensive readiness assessment, a progress tracker, and a sectoral analysis of a country’s unconditional, conditional, and combined NDCs.   For countries eligible for Official Development Assistance (ODA), the following key elements are assessed:   Article 6 Framework Assesses whether the country has adopted a formal framework defining the rules, procedures, and institutional arrangements for engaging in Article 6 transactions. This may include national legislation, policies, or operational guidelines.   System to Track NDC Implementation Evaluates whether the country has established a system to systematically track the implementation of Article 6 activities and progress towards achieving its NDC. A robust tracking system ensures transparency, accuracy, and accountability in emissions reporting.   Bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) Identifies whether the country has signed non-binding MOUs that broadly outline areas of collaboration and facilitate future engagement in carbon market transactions. When applicable, the list of partner countries is recorded.   Executed Bilateral Agreements Confirms whether the country has concluded legally binding bilateral agreements under Article 6.2. These agreements set out the formal structure for cooperation, including provisions on governance, transparency, and benefit-sharing. Partner countries are listed where relevant.   Initial Report Submission Verifies whether the country has submitted an Initial Report to the UNFCCC in accordance with Article 6 reporting guidelines. This report, submitted following the issuance of a LoA, outlines the planned approach to cooperation.   First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) Under the Enhanced Transparency Framework, Parties to the Paris Agreement must submit BTRs every two years, with the first due by 31 December 2024. These reports include information on National Inventory Reports (NIR), progress towards NDCs, participation in Article 6 and policies and measures, #climatechange impacts and adaptation, levels of financial, technology development and transfer and capacity-building support, capacity-building needs and areas of improvement.   For more information contact sales@emsurge.com