Kate Hamilton, Carbon Project Manager, Ecosystem Marketplace gives a quick overview of the US voluntary carbon markets. Kate is amongst the presenters at Voluntary Carbon Markets, New York.

What do you and your organization do in the Carbon Markets sector? 
Ecosystem Marketplace provides information about the carbon markets and in particular the voluntary carbon markets and forestry based offsets.

What do you consider to be the most interesting developments and biggest challenges in the American voluntary carbon market at this time?
How impending regulation will influence the marketplace.

What are the challenges facing standardization of the market?
Acceptance of only a few standards and agreement on what determines adequate additionality.

If regulated emission reductions become mandatory in the US, what does the future hold for the voluntary market?
I think there will still be a voluntary market. However, some of the participants will be regulated so no longer utilizing this marketplace.

What are the barriers to project developers looking to generate offsets?
Uncertainty about the CDM, US regulation and voluntary demand.

What safeguards are required to ensure sustainable growth?
Ensuring long term demand in the marketplace and the credibility of the voluntary carbon markets in general.

ENDS