The UK government has revealed its new plans to transform the country into a global leader in green finance by improving the voluntary carbon and nature markets
The new plans will offer better support for businesses and organisations to trade carbon credits, units that show the reduction or removal of greenhouse gas emissions through environmentally friendly projects.
The UK’s plans for lead in green financing
These projects range from reforestation and peatland restoration to deploying electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. One credit typically equals one metric tonne of carbon dioxide or its equivalent.
The plan hopes to unlock billions in private finance to tackle the climate crisis while creating new revenue streams for UK enterprises, particularly agriculture and land management. The government hopes to open up financial opportunities at home and internationally by strengthening trust and transparency in these markets.
Boosting confidence in carbon and nature markets
The full potential of these markets remains unfilled due to confusion among businesses over how to use them effectively, as well as concerns about credibility and impact.
The UK is developing a new framework grounded in six integrity principles to address these issues. These principles aim to ensure that carbon credits deliver real environmental benefits, are used transparently, and complement wider efforts to reduce emissions across the supply chain.
One major focus is building confidence in the voluntary carbon and nature markets by setting clear guidelines for suppliers and buyers. This includes ensuring that only high-quality credits are traded, with clear disclosure on how they are used and how they contribute to net zero targets. Credits should also be used as a supplement, not a substitute, for real emission reductions within a business’s operations.
Green economy growth
The UK’s new approach supports a growing global demand for sustainable finance solutions. If properly developed, voluntary carbon markets could be worth up to $250 billion by 2050, with natural markets potentially reaching $69 billion. The UK is positioning itself to capture a significant share of this growth by creating a trusted and reliable marketplace.
The government’s efforts are also expected to help protect key ecosystems and biodiversity. Nature markets channel funding into preserving peatlands, forests, and rare habitats, creating economic incentives for farmers and land managers to participate in environmental restoration efforts.
This move is also aligned with broader trends in the UK’s green economy. Recent data shows that the net zero sector is growing at triple the pace of the overall economy, with over £43.7 billion in private investment flowing into clean energy industries since July. Employment in the green sector also rose by over 10% last year.
Through a more transparent, high-integrity carbon and nature market, the government hopes to set a global benchmark and accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.
A 12-week consultation period is now open, inviting feedback from industry stakeholders and the public to shape the final framework.
