The recently released “State of the Voluntary Carbon Markets 2023” report from Ecosystem Marketplace (EM) reveals a significant trend shift within VCM. It identifies a concentration of demand for highly integrated and high-quality voluntary carbon credits, despite their higher price, that offer co-benefits beyond greenhouse gas emission reductions. Analysis of transaction data suggests a significant 82 % increase in average carbon credit prices from 2021 to 2022, accompanied by a decline in overall transaction volume. These findings suggest market consolidation among smaller, but specialized buyers who are willing to pay more for higher-quality credits. In particular, there is high demand for nature-based credits that hold commons certifications and are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here are some key takeaways from EM’s research. ((Jennifer L, carboncredits.com)