“Voluntary carbon and nature markets will be an important tool to crowd in private finance to protect our precious peatlands, important habitats and rare species.
“It is why increasing trust in these markets will ensure that they benefit both people and our planet, ensuring money flows towards genuine environmental improvement projects and creates new sources of finance for farmers and land managers in the UK.”
Economic opportunities
Since July 2024, the UK has attracted £43.7bn (US$58.5bn) in private investment into clean energy industries.
The UK government says that voluntary carbon and nature markets are projected to be worth up to US$250bn and US$69bn respectively by 2050, provided robust standards are in place.
By establishing itself as a leader in these markets, the UK aims to attract private finance, create new investment opportunities and support the clean energy transition.
The government says that the net zero economy grew at a rate three times faster than the broader economy in 2024, with sector employment rising by more than 10%.
Mark Kenber, Executive Director of the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), said: “Businesses need clarity and confidence to invest in voluntary carbon and nature markets that help meet global climate goals.
