International government-backed coalition on carbon credits
A framework for global corporate use of high-integrity carbon credits is agreed.
The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets presents a set of shared principles to boost corporate demand for high-integrity carbon credits as a complement to direct emissions reductions and to provide a consistent framework across countries.
The Shared Principles for Growing High-Integrity Use of Carbon Credits by Companies and Other Buyers were issued at the COP30 Business and Finance Forum, alongside a Plan of Action.
The Coalition was launched at London Climate Action Week 2025 and is co-chaired by the Governments of Kenya, Singapore and the UK, alongside founding members, France and Panama. Additional governments endorsing, welcoming and joining the Coalition will be announced during COP30.
The Coalition aims to drive climate-positive growth and accelerate the pace of emissions reductions worldwide by strengthening the incentives businesses need to invest in high-integrity carbon credits across carbon markets, including voluntary and Article 6 markets.
The Shared Principles were developed with inputs from governments from around the world and informed by business leaders and market experts.
They establish six pillars for corporate use of carbon credits:
- Using carbon credits in addition to decarbonisation
- Ensuring rigorous quality standards
- Upholding fair value and social benefits
- Maintaining transparent reporting
- Making accurate, substantiated claims
- Actively supporting market development.
These pillars achieve international alignment on critical questions about the role of carbon credits and aim to inform national policies and incentives to unlock private sector investment in climate solutions through carbon markets.
In endorsing the Shared Principles, each government commits to explore, develop and continue pursuing supportive policies or regulations aligned with the framework
The Coalition also published its Plan of Action. It includes:
- Policy implementation
- Capital mobilisation with equitable pricing and access
- Market development
Katie White, UK Minister for Climate, says, ‘Carbon credits are an opportunity for businesses to unlock revenue streams while cutting emissions, and the UK is spearheading global efforts to scale up these markets. Establishing these Shared Principles will help boost demand for high-integrity carbon markets, at home and around the world. Through this coalition with Kenya and Singapore, the UK is strengthening our commitment to tackling the climate crisis.’
