From tiny and impoverished Mayotte to oil-rich Saudi Arabia, prosperous European cities to overcrowded slums in Africa, nothing has been spared the devastating impact of supercharged climate disasters in 2024. (More on phys.org)

The Carbon Removal Certification Framework Regulation (hereinafter referred to as the ‘CRCF Regulation’ or ‘the Regulation’), which aims to facilitate and promote the permanent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, will enter into force on 26 December 2024. To achieve this objective, the Regulation establishes a broad voluntary framework for the certification of carbon removals and land reductions in the voluntary carbon market. The reliable and harmonised application and enforcement of the quality criteria set out in the Regulation should help prevent so-called greenwashing and ensure that greenhouse gas reduction efforts are transparent and credible. This should increase the trust of buyers in carbon removal certificates and incentivise the development of new carbon removal projects, ultimately helping the Union to achieve its climate objectives. ( More on lexology.com)

Our vision of “progress for humanity” is based on our commitment to universal mobility while supporting a zero-emission society. From the electrification of our models, to the launch of the IONIQ model range and our more than 20 years of research into hydrogen technology, we have continuously advanced on the path to more sustainable value creation. We firmly believe that the automotive industry has a great responsibility and an opportunity to take proactive steps against climate change. We promise to continue on the path we have taken for humanity and future generations – a path of continuous improvement in four key areas. (More on hyundai.com)

The new EU Deforestation Regulation requires companies trading in livestock, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soy and timber, as well as products derived from these commodities, to carry out extensive due diligence along the value chain to ensure that the goods do not originate from recent (after 31 December 2020) deforestation, forest degradation or breaches of local environmental and social laws. Although the European Commission has proposed postponing the implementation of the EUDR by 12 months, companies should already consider the impact of the EUDR on their supply chain due diligence to prepare for the new obligations that apply from 30 December 2025. (Genevra Forwood, Clare Connellan, Sara Nordin, more at lexology.com)

The decisions taken at COP29 in Baku (2024) have significantly moved carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement towards functionality. This is likely to also have an impact on the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), where most emission reduction credits (ERs) have been traded so far.

The VCM will continue to operate in parallel with the markets under Article 6, while A6.4ER (emission reductions approved by the Article 6.4 mechanism) and ITMO (internationally transferable mitigation outcomes) will be traded on the VCM.

It is difficult to predict yet to what extent Article 6 markets will affect VCM. However, it is likely that the clarity and transparency of the rules agreed at COP29 will lead to increased demand for A6.4ER and ITMO from states.

Potential positive impacts on VCM:

• Increased trust and integrity: It is expected that the transparency and integrity that comes with the authorization of A6.4ER and ITMO under Article 6, will gradually restore confidence in the quality of VCM credits.
• Greater standards compatibility: Existing carbon standards (Verra, Gold Standard, Puro Earth) will likely focus more on compatibility with Article 6 requirements so that their ERs can more easily qualify as A6.4ER or ITMO. This could lead to higher integrity and price of ERs approved by carbon standards.
• Investment stimulation: If ERs authorised under Article 6 become internationally accepted as emission compensation, This could lead to greater investment in ER projects and an expansion of their offer.
• Potential for regulation: The functioning of markets under Article 6 could lead to greater confidence of states in the implementation of domestic regulation, which would force or incentivize companies to purchase ER to offset their emissions.

Potential negative impacts on VCM:

• Higher price of A6.4ER and ITMO: Increased demand from states for A6.4ER and ITMO could lead to an increase in their price and discourage private entities from purchasing them.

Important aspects for companies participating in VCM:

• Monitoring progress: Companies must monitor developments in Article 6 markets and their impact on VCM in order to adapt their strategies.
• Considering purchasing A6.4ER and ITMO: Companies should consider purchasing A6.4ER and ITMO if their budget allows to take advantage of their potential benefits.
• Compatibility with Article 6: Companies should ensure that their ER projects meet the requirements of Article 6 in order to be able to apply for authorization as A6.4ER or ITMO in the future.

The VCM and Article 6 markets will be closely linked in the coming years. Companies participating in the VCM need to monitor developments and respond to changes in a timely manner to remain competitive and contribute to reducing emissions. Spring

ISO 14064 standards play an important role in promoting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to a low-carbon economy. (more…)

This study guide summarizes key aspects of the carbon market under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and related topics. It focuses on the mechanisms under Articles 6.2 and 6.4, their functioning and implications for the voluntary carbon market (VCM).

What is the difference between an internationally transferable mitigation outcome (ITMO) and an Article 6.4 emission reduction (A6.4ER)?

• ITMO is an emission reduction transferred between States under Article 6.2. A6.4ER is an emission reduction generated by an activity approved by the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) under Article 6.4.

What is the role of authorisation in the context of Article 6.2?

• The authorization in Article 6.2 ensures that the ITMO is properly accounted for and transferred to the acquiring party. Both parties must approve the use of the ITMO to achieve the NDC or other international mitigation purposes (OIMP).

What does the term "first transfer" mean at ITMO and why is it important?

• The “first transfer” is the first official application of the corresponding adjustment (CA) in national registries. It provides certainty and transparency as to when the emission reductions are to be applied to the acquiring country.

 

What are the main elements of transparency in the Article 6.2 mechanism?

• Transparency in Article 6.2 includes disclosure of information about ITMO, the authorization process, first transfers, ownership, cancellations and use to achieve NDC or OIMP.

What are the key points agreed at COP29 regarding Article 6.4?

• COP29 approved standards for methodologies and emission removals, clarified the authorization process for A6.4ER, and set rules for the transition of CDM activities to PACM.

What is a Mitigation Contribution Unit (MCU) and how can it become an A6.4ER?

• An MCU is an emission reduction that has not been authorized as an A6.4ER. It may become an A6.4ER if the host party issues an authorization statement within a specified timeframe.

What is the process for transitioning activities from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to the PACM?

• CDM activities may be transferred to the PACM after approval by the UNFCCC Secretariat and the designated national authority of the host Party. They must comply with all relevant standards and procedures under Article 6.4.

What are the main tasks of the Supervisory Body under Article 6.4 (SBM) and the UNFCCC Secretariat before COP30?

• The SBM is tasked with developing standards, tools and guidelines for PACM, while the UNFCCC Secretariat is to establish a PACM registry and support the transition of CDM activities.

How might COP29 decisions affect the voluntary carbon market (VCM)?

• COP29 decisions may increase the trust and integrity of the VCM, as A6.4ER and ITMO will also be traded on the VCM.

What are the potential impacts of Article 6 carbon markets on VCM?

• Article 6 carbon markets could stimulate VCM by increasing demand for quality emission reductions, but could also lead to higher prices.

Glossary of key terms

A6.4ER: Emission reductions approved by the Paris Agreement Credit Allocation Mechanism (PACM) under Article 6.4.

Authorization: The process by which a host country approves the use of emission reductions such as A6.4ER or ITMO.

CDM: The Clean Development Mechanism, established under the Kyoto Protocol, operated until 2020.

ITMO: Internationally transferable mitigation result, transferred between States pursuant to Article 6.2.

MCU: Mitigation Contribution Unit, emission reduction that was not authorized as A6.4ER.

NDC: Nationally Determined Contribution, a country's commitment to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

OIMP: Other international mitigation purposes, the use of emission reductions for purposes other than achieving NDCs.

PACM: Paris Agreement Credit Allocation Mechanism, Market for A6.4ER under Article 6.4.

First transfer: First official application of the corresponding adjustment (CA) in national registries, transferring the emission reductions to the acquiring party.

SBM: The supervisory authority under Article 6.4, which oversees the functioning of the PACM.

VCM: A voluntary carbon market where companies buy and sell emission reductions to offset their emissions.

Spring

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 24 November 2024. with regard to Article 6.4, one with regard to Article 6.2 and one with regard to Article 6.8. In particular, these decisions, after nine years of negotiations since the 2015 Paris Agreement, contained the final agreements needed to finally move carbon markets under Article 6 towards functioning. (Alex Blomfield, William Ferris, more on lexology.com)

Glossary of key terms

A6.4ER: Emission reductions approved by the Paris Agreement Credit Allocation Mechanism (PACM) under Article 6.4.

Authorization: The process by which a host country approves the use of emission reductions such as A6.4ER or ITMO.

CDM: The Clean Development Mechanism, established under the Kyoto Protocol, operated until 2020.

ITMO: Internationally transferable mitigation result, transferred between States pursuant to Article 6.2.

MCU: Mitigation Contribution Unit, emission reduction that was not authorized as A6.4ER.

NDC: Nationally Determined Contribution, a country's commitment to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.

OIMP: Other international mitigation purposes, the use of emission reductions for purposes other than achieving NDCs.

PACM: Paris Agreement Credit Allocation Mechanism, Market for A6.4ER under Article 6.4.

First transfer: First official application of the corresponding adjustment (CA) in national registries, transferring the emission reductions to the acquiring party.

SBM: The supervisory authority under Article 6.4, which oversees the functioning of the PACM.

VCM: A voluntary carbon market where companies buy and sell emission reductions to offset their emissions.

More than two decades ago, the World Trade Organization (WTO) was created.WTO) with the proposition that free trade between nations improves overall economic welfare. The task of regulating trade between nations was entrusted to the WTO and governed by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (hereinafter referred to as the "GATT"). GATT ") formulated in 1948. GATT provided a basic set of rules governing international trade. The GATT preamble envisioned a substantial reduction in tariffs and other trade barriers, together with the elimination of preferences on a reciprocal basis among all signatory countries. With this intention, GATT became the main document on which member countries relied for international trade. (Shankey Agrawal, Harsh Shukla, Pratha Khanna, more at lexology.com)

Carbon offsets, often seen as a way for big companies to mitigate their climate impact, could take on a new dimension. Instead of investing in foreign projects to protect forests or renewable energy sources, experts suggest channeling these funds to help low-income households. Such a solution would not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also improve the living conditions of those facing high energy costs.

How do carbon offsets work?

Carbon offsets allow companies to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. Typical examples include reforestation, the protection of tropical rainforests, or the construction of wind farms. The problem is that some of these projects have faced criticism for lack of transparency or questionable results.

Potential for domestic use of offsets

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have come up with the idea of redirecting funds from carbon offsets to energy efficiency for low-income households, who often live in older, poorly insulated buildings that require a lot of energy to heat or cool.

Improving energy efficiency in such homes could include:

• Wall and attic insulation
• Replacing outdated heating systems with more energy-efficient models
• Modernizing windows and doors to retain heat
• Replacing old refrigerators with energy-efficient appliances

Benefits for households and the environment

Energy modifications not only reduce energy consumption, but also bring other benefits:

• Reducing energy costs: Households can save hundreds of dollars a year.
• Improving health: Better insulation and quality heating contribute to reducing the incidence of diseases associated with cold and humidity.
• Lower emissions: Less energy consumed means less demand for fossil fuels and therefore fewer carbon emissions.

For example, in the city of Nashville, where a pilot project was conducted, researchers found that simple measures like replacing windows or insulating the attic can reduce carbon emissions by hundreds of tons per year.

The path to a fairer climate

This initiative could help address climate injustice, as low-income communities are often the hardest hit by the impacts of climate change, but have the least ability to adapt. Redirecting funding to local energy efficiency projects would be an investment not only in climate protection, but also in improving the quality of life of those who need it most.

Carbon offsets don’t have to be just an abstract concept to mitigate emissions in remote areas of the world. By investing in local communities and their energy efficiency, we can achieve visible results that help reduce emissions while promoting social justice. This approach could be the key to more effectively addressing climate challenges at both the global and local levels. Spring

This document, prepared for the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development, looks at the role of cohesion policy in supporting climate change adaptation, strengthening regional resilience and promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in the EU.

Main topics:

• Identification of regional and sectoral adaptation needs: The document analyses the different climate risks and adaptation needs across different types of EU regions (urban, rural, coastal, mountain areas, islands and outermost regions) as well as across different economic sectors. For example, urban areas face risks of flooding, heat waves and air quality deterioration, which require improving drainage systems, expanding green spaces and promoting sustainable transport. The document points out that “the impacts of climate change are being felt differently in different regions of the EU, creating the need to tailor adaptation strategies to the regional and potentially local contexts they are intended to benefit.” (Introduction)
• Mapping EU policy instruments to support climate change adaptation: The document provides a comprehensive overview of all EU policy instruments supporting the EU Adaptation Strategy, with a focus on cohesion policy. These include financial instruments, information and knowledge platforms, legislative and regulatory frameworks, strategies, plans and guidelines, initiatives and networks, skills and education programmes, research and innovation, as well as specialised agencies and bodies.
• Assessment of current cohesion policy support for adaptation: The paper analyses data on funding from cohesion policy funds, as well as the results of surveys among managing authorities and business operators. The findings point to an increase but still insufficient funding for adaptation, with gaps between support and needs. The paper notes that “funding data do not provide a breakdown of adaptation support by sector, type of business or specific investments.” (Chapter 4)

Key findings:

• Adaptation funding from Cohesion Policy has increased in the 2014-2020 and 2021-2027 periods, but is still not sufficient to cover all needs.
• There are gaps between adaptation support and actual needs, especially in certain sectors and regions.
• Business entities are often unaware of the available adaptation funding options from cohesion policy.
• Regional and local authorities need to strengthen their capacities in the field of climate change adaptation.

Recommendations:

• Improving integration and adaptation monitoring: Improving the integration of climate change adaptation considerations into all projects funded by cohesion policy, not just those explicitly labelled as "adaptation" interventions.
• Development of sector strategies: Developing sectoral strategies for accessing adaptation funding from cohesion policy to ensure that sectors vulnerable to climate change (e.g. tourism) have sufficient access to funding.
• Improving business awareness and access to finance: Increasing awareness among businesses about available financing options and simplifying access to financing for SMEs.
• Strengthening regional capacities for adaptation: Providing training, recruiting specialized staff and building partnerships with academia and research institutions to strengthen the capacities of regional and local authorities.

The document stresses that “national authorities (in partnership with EU institutions such as the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions) should work to strengthen regional and local capacities for adaptation by improving knowledge and expertise within regional and local authorities.” (Chapter 6)

This document provides valuable information on how cohesion policy can contribute to climate change adaptation in the EU. It identifies key challenges and offers concrete recommendations for improvement. The implementation of these recommendations should lead to a better use of cohesion policy to strengthen the EU's resilience to climate change. Spring

Climate change is having far-reaching consequences for our environment, and one of the most striking manifestations is the changing patterns of intense precipitation, including atmospheric rivers. These narrow bands of concentrated moist air currents bring heavy rain and strong winds that can have devastating consequences, especially in coastal areas.

What are atmospheric rivers?

Atmospheric rivers are natural phenomena that transport moisture from tropical regions to higher latitudes. When the moisture from these currents is released as precipitation over land, it can lead to extreme flooding and soil erosion. Researchers have noted that as the planet warms, these phenomena are increasing in intensity and frequency.

The impact of rising temperatures

As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere's ability to hold moisture increases. This phenomenon, fueled by greenhouse gases, means that atmospheric rivers have the potential to carry more water and cause more damage. In areas such as coastal California and western Europe, these intense systems can cause significant material damage, threaten infrastructure and lead to loss of life.

Prepare for the future

Scientists warn that it is essential that we start preparing for these changing climate conditions. This requires improving early warning systems, strengthening protection measures in vulnerable areas and implementing effective water resource management systems. In addition, it is crucial that we step up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which can help mitigate further global warming.

From a global perspective, it is essential that policymakers, scientists and society as a whole work together to develop strategies and solutions to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather events. It is clear that atmospheric rivers are just one of many examples of how climate change is reshaping our world and posing new challenges that we must effectively address. Spring

Climate change is causing glaciers to melt faster, leading to rising sea levels. Scientists are using modern technology to accurately track these changes and predict their consequences.

Satellite Technology and GPS Monitoring

Satellite technology plays a key role in monitoring changes in the ice sheets. Professor Shfaqat Abbas Khan from DTU Space uses data from 61 GPS stations located along the coast of Greenland, known as the GNET network. These stations, managed by the Danish Climate Data Agency, measure changes in the height of Greenland's mountains with an accuracy of one tenth of a millimeter. As the ice sheet melts, the pressure on the mountains decreases, causing them to rise. For example, in the period 2013–2023, some areas have seen an increase in height of up to 20 cm.

Postglacial Uplift

It is important to note that not all changes in the terrain are caused by the current melting of glaciers. After the last ice age, there is a so-called postglacial uplift, where the land is still "straightening" after the retreat of ancient glaciers. Senior researcher Valentina Barletta from the Center for Ice Sheet and Sea Level Prediction (CISP) emphasizes that the Earth behaves like memory foam: after the pressure is released, it slowly returns to its original shape. Therefore, measurements need to correct for the data on the uplift of the ground to accurately determine the contribution of the current melting of ice to the changes in the height of the terrain.

Sea Level Rise Prediction

Accurate measurements and models are needed to predict future sea level rise. Estimates for 2100 range from 20cm to 3m, depending on the rate of glacier melt and greenhouse gas emissions. Professor Khan, head of the Centre for Ice Sheet and Sea Level Prediction, stresses that without space technology we would not have the precise data needed to make these predictions.

Global Implications and the Need for International Cooperation

Rising sea levels pose a threat to coastal communities around the world. Accurate predictions are key to planning adaptation measures and mitigating the risks associated with climate change. International cooperation and the use of modern technologies are essential to effectively address current challenges. Spring

Document  presents a comprehensive overview of EU research activities in the field of NBS. It focuses on how NBS can help address the climate and biodiversity crises and highlights the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building for the successful implementation of these solutions.

Main themes and ideas

The document highlights the importance of NBS in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. NBS are defined as:

"inspired and supported by nature, they are cost-effective, while providing environmental, social and economic benefits and helping to build resilience."

The document lists several key benefits of NBS, including:

• Increasing resilience to climate change: NBS help mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as floods, heat waves, and drought.
• Improving air quality: Green infrastructure in cities can absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
• Soil restoration: NBS supports the restoration of degraded land and improves its fertility.
• Promoting health and well-being: Access to green spaces has a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
• Creating new economic opportunities: NBS can stimulate growth in sectors such as ecotourism, green infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration.
• Sustainable urban transformation: NBS contribute to the development of greener and healthier cities.

EU-funded research projects

The paper presents a wide range of EU-funded research projects addressing the implementation of NBS in various settings, including:

• Urban areas: Projects such as CLEVER Cities, Grow Green and URBREATH focus on implementing NBS in cities to increase their resilience, improve quality of life and support biodiversity.
• Areas outside cities: Projects such as DRYvER (focusing on drylands), FutureMARES (marine and coastal ecosystems), and MountResilience (mountain ecosystems) address specific challenges associated with climate change and biodiversity in different ecosystems.
• Cross-sectional projects: Projects such as NetworkNature+ and BIODIVERSA+ serve as platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building in the field of NBS.

Important facts

The document presents interesting statistics on EU-funded projects in the field of NBS:

• 1,538 partners
• 79 countries
• Budget 755 million euros
• 88 projects

The Conference of the Parties (COP), the decision-making body responsible for monitoring and assessing the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), has just concluded its meetings in Baku, Azerbaijan (COP29). COP29 adopted a series of decisions expanding the role of carbon markets under the Paris Agreement and brought about a breakthrough in establishing a global carbon market managed by the UN. (More on lexology.com)