In this episode of This Week in Carbon, host Edward Smith and regular guest Rene Velasquez sit down with Alexia Kelly. Alexia shares her extensive journey in the field of carbon markets, discussing her experiences in both public and private sectors. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of carbon markets, the role of the ICVCM in establishing standards, and the future of global carbon markets, particularly in relation to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities within the carbon market landscape, including the need for better communication and the significance of voluntary actions in driving climate initiatives.

Key Takeaways:

• Alexia's journey in environmentalism began in her childhood during the timber wars.
• She emphasizes the importance of working in both public and private sectors for a well-rounded perspective.
• The carbon market is evolving, with significant changes in standards and methodologies.
• Communication in the environmental space needs to be simplified for broader understanding.
• The ICVCM is crucial for establishing quality standards in carbon markets.
• Voluntary actions can lead to significant innovations in climate policy.
• The future of carbon markets is promising, especially with the upcoming compliance markets.
• Investment in capacity building is essential for developing countries to engage in carbon markets.
• The complexity of carbon markets presents both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders.
• A portfolio approach to carbon credits can enhance the effectiveness of climate action.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Context of Carbon Markets

01:24 Alexia's Career Journey in Climate and Sustainability

09:32 Insights from Corporate Carbon Buying at Netflix

20:34 The Role of ICVCM in Carbon Market Integrity

27:01 Emergence of Robust Methodologies in Carbon Markets

28:13 Market Dynamics and Quality Standards

30:24 Article 6 and International Cooperation

32:50 Challenges in Implementing Article 6

38:38 The Role of Voluntary Markets

41:16 Future of Global Carbon Markets

45:32 Building a Verified Carbon Market Coalition

49:01 The Path to Net Zero and Market Integration