Key Takeaways
Building credible carbon markets
Your Progress
Section 5 of 5Core Principles
Credibility Requires Independence
Self-reported impact claims are inherently suspect. Third-party verification by accredited auditors is non-negotiable for market credibility.
Additionality is Everything
If a project would have happened anyway, carbon credits are just subsidies for business-as-usual—not climate action. Pass all four additionality tests.
MRV is a System, Not a Step
Monitoring, reporting, and verification must work together continuously throughout project lifetime, not just at certification.
Technology Enables Transparency
Satellites, IoT sensors, and blockchain create tamper-proof audit trails and reduce reliance on manual surveys prone to gaming.
Standards Are Only as Good as Enforcement
Verra, Gold Standard, and other registries must enforce strict compliance. Weak enforcement erodes trust in the entire market.
🚩 Red Flags
When evaluating carbon projects, watch for these warning signs that indicate low-quality or phantom credits:
Leading Standards & Registries
What's Next?
The carbon market is evolving rapidly with technology-enabled transparency (satellite MRV, blockchain registries) and policy pressure (EU regulations requiring high-integrity credits). Understanding impact measurement isn't just academic—it's essential for anyone building, buying, or evaluating climate solutions.