Overview

Carbon Market Watch was established in 2010 as an independent non-profit organisation based in Brussels. It was created to scrutinise carbon markets and climate policies at European and international levels. Its core purpose is to promote climate action that delivers real emissions reductions while upholding environmental integrity and social safeguards. The organisation operates at the intersection of climate policy, carbon markets and sustainable development. It engages with policy processes under the European Union and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Mission and focus areas

Carbon Market Watch aims to ensure carbon markets and climate finance mechanisms contribute effectively to the goals of the Paris Agreement. Its work focuses on improving the design, governance and transparency of both compliance and voluntary carbon markets. Key thematic areas include Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, voluntary carbon markets, emissions trading systems, climate finance, and the social and environmental impacts of offsetting. Through policy analysis and advocacy, Carbon Market Watch contributes to discussions relevant to sustainable finance, particularly around market integrity, risk, and accountability in climate-related financial mechanisms.

Structure and governance

Carbon Market Watch operates as an independent civil society organisation with a defined governance structure. It is led by an Executive Director and supported by a team of policy analysts, researchers and communications staff. The organisation collaborates with international NGOs, research institutions and civil society networks. It engages with policymakers, regulators and observers through formal consultations, expert groups and multilateral forums.

Programs and offerings

Carbon Market Watch produces research reports, policy briefings and technical submissions on carbon markets and climate governance. These outputs are used by policymakers, investors, researchers and civil society actors to assess market credibility and policy effectiveness. The organisation also convenes events, workshops and public discussions, and provides expert commentary on emerging developments in carbon markets. Its resources support informed decision-making on climate policy design, market participation and sustainability-related risk assessment.

We grew out of a decade’s work scrutinising the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a carbon offsetting programme under the UN’s Kyoto Protocol. Over the years, CDM Watch evolved into Carbon Market Watch, with a broader mission to examine and influence international and European carbon pricing and other climate policies.