A new alliance of universities, private sector leaders, and non-profits has unveiled the VCM+ Coalition, a collaborative effort to strengthen the verified carbon market. By raising standards for credibility and equity, the coalition aims to unlock the full potential of carbon credits to channel climate finance at scale.
The initiative seeks to deliver a cumulative reduction or removal of 5 billion tons of CO2e by 2035 while channeling hundreds of billions of dollars toward community-based climate solutions and ecosystem restoration. More than 50 organizations from diverse fields have already joined the coalition, committing to reforms that expand proven practices, accelerate innovation, and close gaps in today’s market.
“The VCM+ represents the next chapter of the carbon market, from voluntary to verified, with oversight, science, and integrity at its core,” said Alexia Kelly, Managing Director of the Carbon Policy and Markets Initiative at the High Tide Foundation. “With clear rules, trust, and equity, this market can scale as a powerful tool to fight climate change.”
The coalition’s framework is built on five guiding pillars: scientific rigor, robust governance, transparent communication, targeted financing tools, and scaled demand from both companies and governments. Together, these elements are designed to build confidence in the system and attract meaningful investment.
Carbon market fragmentation also addressed
Together with this announcemenet the Carbon Data Open Protocol (CDOP) coalition launched Version 1.0 of its open-source schema to reduce fragmentation in carbon markets and strengthen investor trust. Developed with input from 37 organizations, including Verra and South Pole, the model standardizes project details, locations, and methodologies. It merges over 1,600 data fields from 15 frameworks and aligns with global initiatives like the G20’s Common Carbon Credit Data Model and the Climate Action Data Trust.
The announcement also comes as voluntary carbon markets face mounting scrutiny. In recent years, critics have questioned the quality and reliability of many credits, raising concerns about greenwashing and weak oversight. Demand has faltered as confidence declined, underscoring the need for reforms.
The VCM+ Coalition aims to restore trust and demonstrate that voluntary markets, when built on integrity, can deliver real, large-scale climate impact.
