This Week in Carbon Who Will Buy? Forest Carbon at a Crossroads - Elizabeth Aldrich
Jun 2, 2025
Elizabeth Aldrich, a carbon markets expert at A New Climate with a Ph.D. in early carbon markets, shares her insights on the current state of voluntary carbon markets. She discusses the decline in corporate buyer confidence and what it means for project developers. Aldrich highlights real-world challenges, such as regulatory bottlenecks and the need for trust in the market. She emphasizes the importance of relationships and transparency in scaling high-integrity climate action, while exploring the complexities of carbon transaction dynamics.
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Anu's Large-Scale Forest Purchase
- Anu raised and deployed $1.8 billion to buy and manage 1.7 million acres of U.S. forest land.
- They've shifted the management from timber to a carbon-first approach, becoming the seventh largest forest landowner in the U.S.
Elizabeth's Carbon Market Journey
- Elizabeth Aldrich studied carbon markets since 2004, focusing on renewable energy projects across Latin America.
- She documented barriers including technical, institutional, and language challenges, shaping her carbon market career.
Safe Harbor Builds Buyer Confidence
- Large buyers like Microsoft invest heavily with expert teams, while smaller companies lack resources and often retreat.
- Safe harbor provisions and clear guidelines are critical for enabling broader, confident buyer participation.