Over the course of the highly interactive 2-day Voluntary Carbon Markets USA conference industry leading speakers and attendees from the corporate, financial and environmental sectors gathered to discuss the current status of the voluntary carbon market in light of the cap-and-trade scheme that will be put into place by the Obama Administration. The critical issues which were raised centered on the market difficulties in the current global financial situation and whether carbon will be viewed as a ‘luxury commodity’ in financially difficult times. The expert speakers however agreed that the voluntary carbon market will endure in the United States and that the ‘pre-compliance game’ will shield the voluntary market to an extent from recession.

The sector still faces challenges in the convergence of the market, especially on VER prices. Forestry projects emerged as a possible ’sleeper’ with huge potential and government support in the US. However concerns remain about regulation, standards and expertise in this field. Carbon retailers and green marketing experts discussed carbon offset programs and companies’ concerns when introducing offsets. It remains to be seen which type for voluntary credit will be accepted in the US compliance market, but CCAR (California Climate Action Registry) credits are the current favorites. 

We would like to thank all our speakers, sponsors and delegates for their contributions and excellent debate and for making the two days so beneficial.  We look forward to welcoming you to Carbon Markets USA in Washington D.C.