Welcome to Verra’s December Newsletter! As 2024 draws to a close, we are pleased to share with you the final updates of this year.
We were thrilled to learn about the passing of Article 6 during the final hours of COP29 in Baku. This historic step provides countries with a new framework for utilizing independent crediting programs in support of their climate ambitions. Verra stands ready to work with nations to help them harness the opportunities this decision unlocks for effective and scalable climate solutions. In collaboration with the Singapore government and Gold Standard, we have already developed a protocol that supports countries in using Article 6 to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions.
We are also delighted to share that the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market has approved Verra’s innovative Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) methodology in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program as meeting the requirements of the Core Carbon Principles Assessment Framework. This approval is a testament to the methodology’s rigor and credibility, and it marks an important milestone in driving global investment to high-integrity ARR projects.
Additionally, we just released the first set of provisional allocated deforestation risk maps for three jurisdictions in Brazil (Pará, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso). These data enable proponents to explore the feasibility of using Verra’s new REDD methodology to register a project with the VCS Program. With this release, Verra is entering the final phase of implementing a transformational approach to baseline setting for REDD projects, a process that is Verra-led and more consistent with jurisdictional approaches.
At the year’s end, Mandy Rambharos shares reflections on her first months as Verra’s CEO and looks ahead to the future of carbon markets in a two-part op-ed series. For her thoughts, please see Advancing Integrity and Impact in Carbon Markets and The Next Chapter for the Carbon Markets.
We enter 2025 ready to continue the important work of setting standards that advance climate action and sustainable development, making this planet a better and healthier place for us—and for future generations.
In closing, we invite you to sign up (external) for our first 2025 Stakeholder Update Webinar on Wednesday, January 22, at 11:00 am ET. We hope to see you there in the new year.
Reminder! Several changes to Verra’s fee schedule will take effect on January 1, 2025, including registry account fees and Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) issuance levies. For more details, please see our announcement about the updated fee schedule.
Key Updates
Top News
General News
Thought Leadership
In a two-part op-ed series, Mandy Rambharos reflects on her first four months as Verra’s CEO and looks ahead to what awaits the carbon markets in 2025 and beyond.
Program Updates
Verified Carbon Standard Program
- Verra Launches New Electricity Tool
- Verra Joins Singapore Sustainable Finance Association to Advance Climate Action in Southeast Asia
- Verra Joins Argentina’s Carbon Roundtable (Spanish version)
- Verra Releases Guidance for Applying ICVCM Core Carbon Principles Labels
- ICAO Approves VCS Program for CORSIA Eligibility: Details and Verra Response
- Consultation: Proposed Updates to Methodology Development and Review Process
- Consultation: Minor Revision to Building Weatherization Methodology
- Verra’s Commitment to the Integrity of Its REDD Methodology: Responding to Feedback
- Deadline for New VCS Methodology Development Proposals
Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard Program
Plastic Waste Reduction Program
New Resources
- Recording of Verra webinar: Overview of New Verra Program Fee Schedule (November 26)
- Recording of WBSCD webinar: Celebrating a Milestone: Unlocking Business Opportunities with ICVCM-Approved REDD+ (December 18)
- Webpage: Verra’s 2024 Fee Schedule: Impacts for Plastic Program Stakeholders
Regular Updates
Verra-Hosted Webinars
- Technical Briefing on the Provisional Versions of Jurisdictional Maps of Allocated Deforestation Risk (Zoom) – Wednesday, January 15, at 11:00 am
- Stakeholder Update Webinar (January 2025) (Zoom) – Wednesday, January 22, at 11:00 am ET
Verra Staff at Events
- Verra is a Community Partner at GreenBiz 25 (February 10–12, Phoenix, AZ), the premier event for sustainability professionals. Join GreenBiz 25 to connect with peers and trailblazers and master the skills essential to face your company’s unique challenges. Register by January 17 to save $550, and use code GB25V for 10% off—totaling nearly $1,000 off the Final Rate for the All-Access Pass.
- For a comprehensive list of all upcoming events, please check our Events page. If you’d like to invite a Verra team member to speak at your event, please contact events@verra.org.