Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets: A Playbook for Corporate ActionW H I T E P A P E RS E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 3In collaboration with Bain & CompanyContentsImages: Getty Images© 2023 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders.ForewordExecutive summaryIntroduction1. The VCM in 2024 and beyond – a vision for future carbon markets1.1 A new narrative1.2 Strategy, not philanthropy1.3 Pragmatic recognition of efforts1.4 Transparent disclosure and claims1.5 Mature risk management1.6 Convergence on a global carbon market2. Playbook: How corporations can navigate carbon markets2.1 Define net-zero role for credits2.2 Create value and recognition 2.3 Tailor a portfolio2.4 Orchestrate the effortConclusion: The imperative for action and incentivesContributorsEndnotes34591011111214151617232734394042Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets: A Playbook for Corporate Action2ForewordCarbon markets are not new – in fact, they have existed for more than 20 years – yet they remain far from mature. Even as market infrastructure continues to evolve, the voluntary carbon market (VCM) represents an important lever to help accelerate high-impact ...
