GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Carbon Offset Industry Statistics

The carbon offset industry is expected to experience continued growth and increased demand as businesses and individuals seek to mitigate their environmental impact.

Highlights: Carbon Offset Industry Statistics

  • The global carbon offset market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2050.
  • In 2019, about 104 million metric tones CO2e of voluntary carbon offsets were transacted.
  • The voluntary carbon market is expected to grow fifteen-fold by 2030.
  • In 2020, the forestry sector generated the largest volume of carbon credits.
  • Around 75% of companies globally have or are setting up an internal carbon pricing strategy, leading to increased demand for carbon offsets.
  • Projects in Asia produced the largest volume of carbon offsets in 2019.
  • 43% of the total increased demand for carbon credits in the voluntary market in 2020 came from the United States.
  • In 2019, around 55% of carbon offset customers were corporations.
  • The carbon offset market saw a 40% increase in transaction volume in 2020.
  • Verified Carbon Standard projects produced more than half of all carbon credits in 2020.
  • The aviation industry is expected to become the largest buyer of carbon offsets by 2025.
  • The annual size of the compliance carbon markets is over $160 billion as of 2019.
  • Analyses predict there will be demand for almost 2 billion carbon credits from the aviation industry by 2035.
  • More than 1.5 billion verified carbon credits have been issued globally.
  • The cumulative market value of carbon offsets to date is over $45 billion.
  • The transportation industry led offset purchases in 2020.
  • 28.5 million carbon credits were expected to be issued in 2021, a 73% rise from 2020.

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The Latest Carbon Offset Industry Statistics Explained

The global carbon offset market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2050.

The statistic suggests that the global carbon offset market, which involves activities aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change, is anticipated to grow significantly over the next three decades, with a projected value of $200 billion by the year 2050. This growth reflects a growing global awareness and commitment to addressing climate change through various mechanisms such as carbon trading, investment in renewable energy projects, and forest conservation efforts. The increasing demand for carbon offsets, driven by both regulatory requirements and voluntary initiatives from businesses and individuals, is projected to drive the market’s expansion, offering opportunities for businesses to invest in sustainability and contribute to reducing overall carbon emissions on a global scale.

In 2019, about 104 million metric tones CO2e of voluntary carbon offsets were transacted.

The statistic that “In 2019, about 104 million metric tonnes CO2e of voluntary carbon offsets were transacted” signifies that a significant volume of emissions reductions or removals were purchased by individuals, organizations, or governments to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions. These voluntary carbon offsets are a market-based mechanism that allows entities to invest in projects that reduce or remove carbon dioxide equivalent emissions elsewhere, thereby enabling them to balance out their own carbon footprint. The high volume of transactions in 2019 suggests a growing awareness and commitment towards climate change mitigation by various stakeholders, demonstrating a proactive approach towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change challenges.

The voluntary carbon market is expected to grow fifteen-fold by 2030.

The statistic indicates that the voluntary carbon market, which allows individuals and organizations to purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions, is projected to experience significant expansion in the coming decade. The statement “fifteen-fold growth by 2030” suggests that the market is expected to increase in size by a factor of fifteen from its current scale. This growth reflects a growing awareness and concern about the environmental impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, driving more businesses and consumers to offset their carbon footprint by investing in carbon credits. The projected expansion of the voluntary carbon market highlights the increasing importance placed on sustainability and climate action, as various stakeholders seek to mitigate their environmental impact and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.

In 2020, the forestry sector generated the largest volume of carbon credits.

The statistic “In 2020, the forestry sector generated the largest volume of carbon credits” indicates that the forestry industry had the highest level of offsets in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This suggests that activities such as reforestation, afforestation, forest conservation, and sustainable forest management practices implemented by the forestry sector played a significant role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon. The generation of carbon credits in the forestry sector highlights the sector’s contribution to addressing climate change and its potential as a valuable tool in achieving carbon neutrality and sustainability goals.

Around 75% of companies globally have or are setting up an internal carbon pricing strategy, leading to increased demand for carbon offsets.

The statistic suggests that a significant portion of companies worldwide, estimated at around 75%, are either implementing or planning to establish an internal carbon pricing strategy within their organizations. This strategy involves assigning a monetary value to carbon emissions produced during their operations, with the aim of incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, this growing trend in internal carbon pricing is likely to drive up the demand for carbon offsets, which allow companies to compensate for their unavoidable emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Overall, the statistic highlights a proactive approach by businesses to address climate change and promote sustainability by integrating carbon pricing mechanisms into their operations.

Projects in Asia produced the largest volume of carbon offsets in 2019.

The statistic ‘Projects in Asia produced the largest volume of carbon offsets in 2019’ indicates that out of all regions globally, Asia had the highest overall amount of carbon offsets generated through various renewable energy and emission reduction projects during the year 2019. Carbon offsets are a way to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove emissions equivalent to those produced elsewhere. The high volume of carbon offsets in Asia suggests significant efforts and impact in tackling climate change and promoting sustainability within the region, potentially driven by factors such as rapid industrialization, government policies, and increasing awareness of environmental issues.

43% of the total increased demand for carbon credits in the voluntary market in 2020 came from the United States.

The statistic indicates that in 2020, the United States was a significant driver of increased demand for carbon credits in the voluntary market. Specifically, 43% of the total growth in demand for carbon credits in this market can be attributed to the United States. This suggests that the country has been actively participating in efforts to offset carbon emissions through purchasing carbon credits. The high percentage also highlights the importance of the United States in contributing to global sustainability goals by supporting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Overall, this statistic underscores the role of the United States in the voluntary carbon credit market and its commitment to environmental stewardship.

In 2019, around 55% of carbon offset customers were corporations.

The statistic “In 2019, around 55% of carbon offset customers were corporations” indicates that a significant proportion of consumers purchasing carbon offsets during that year were companies rather than individuals. This suggests that corporate entities are increasingly recognizing the importance of offsetting their carbon emissions to mitigate their environmental impact. Corporations may be investing in carbon offset programs as part of their sustainability initiatives or to align with their corporate social responsibility goals. The fact that over half of carbon offset customers in 2019 were corporations highlights the growing importance of corporate participation in addressing climate change and promoting environmentally responsible practices.

The carbon offset market saw a 40% increase in transaction volume in 2020.

The statistic that the carbon offset market saw a 40% increase in transaction volume in 2020 indicates a significant growth and engagement in carbon offset activities throughout the year. This increase suggests a greater adoption of carbon offsetting strategies by businesses and individuals to effectively reduce their carbon footprint and combat climate change. The rise in transaction volume demonstrates a heightened awareness and commitment towards sustainability goals, as organizations and individuals increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility by investing in carbon offset projects to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions. This noteworthy surge in market activity reflects a growing momentum towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach in addressing the challenges of climate change.

Verified Carbon Standard projects produced more than half of all carbon credits in 2020.

The statistic that Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) projects produced more than half of all carbon credits in 2020 suggests that VCS has played a significant role in mitigating climate change by promoting projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate carbon credits. This indicates that VCS has been successful in certifying a large number of projects that meet its stringent standards for reducing emissions or enhancing carbon sequestration. The high percentage of carbon credits generated by VCS projects highlights the organization’s importance in the carbon markets and its contribution to global efforts to combat climate change by incentivizing sustainable practices and investments in emission reduction projects.

The aviation industry is expected to become the largest buyer of carbon offsets by 2025.

The statistic suggests that the aviation industry is projected to significantly increase its purchasing of carbon offsets, which are financial instruments that fund projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to compensate for the emissions produced by the industry’s operations. This forecast indicates a growing recognition within the aviation sector of the need to address its environmental impact by offsetting its carbon footprint. By becoming the largest buyer of carbon offsets by 2025, the aviation industry is signaling its commitment to sustainability and taking steps towards mitigating its contribution to climate change.

The annual size of the compliance carbon markets is over $160 billion as of 2019.

The statistic “The annual size of the compliance carbon markets is over $160 billion as of 2019” refers to the total value of transactions in markets where entities buy and sell carbon credits to comply with government regulations on limiting greenhouse gas emissions. These compliance markets aim to reduce carbon emissions by setting limits on how much can be emitted and allowing companies to either reduce their emissions or purchase carbon credits to offset their excess emissions. The fact that the size of these markets is over $160 billion indicates the scale of operations and financial importance of global efforts to address climate change through market mechanisms, demonstrating the significant economic value associated with carbon trading and emissions reduction.

Analyses predict there will be demand for almost 2 billion carbon credits from the aviation industry by 2035.

The statistic stating that analyses predict there will be demand for almost 2 billion carbon credits from the aviation industry by 2035 suggests a growing need for offsetting carbon emissions generated by the aviation sector. Carbon credits represent a form of carbon offset that allows businesses to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by funding environmental projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. As the aviation industry continues to expand and face scrutiny for its environmental impact, the projected demand for such a large number of carbon credits signifies an increasing awareness and commitment to sustainable practices within the sector. Meeting this demand will likely require significant efforts to invest in cleaner technologies and initiatives to mitigate the industry’s carbon footprint.

More than 1.5 billion verified carbon credits have been issued globally.

The statistic “More than 1.5 billion verified carbon credits have been issued globally” indicates that a significant number of carbon credits have been validated and officially recognized on an international scale. These carbon credits represent a mechanism by which organizations, industries, and countries can offset their greenhouse gas emissions by participating in projects that reduce or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The issuance of over 1.5 billion verified carbon credits highlights the growing effort to combat climate change by promoting carbon neutrality and sustainability through emissions reduction initiatives.

The cumulative market value of carbon offsets to date is over $45 billion.

The statistic that the cumulative market value of carbon offsets to date is over $45 billion indicates the total economic value generated by the trading and transactions related to carbon offset projects globally. Carbon offsets are financial instruments that represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, typically achieved through activities such as renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts. The market value of carbon offsets reflects the demand for these instruments as companies and individuals seek to offset their carbon footprint and comply with emissions reduction targets. The significant value of $45 billion underscores the scale and importance of the carbon offset market in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability efforts worldwide.

The transportation industry led offset purchases in 2020.

The statistic “The transportation industry led offset purchases in 2020” implies that among various industries or sectors, the transportation industry was the most active in purchasing carbon offsets as a strategy to mitigate its greenhouse gas emissions. This suggests that the transportation sector recognized the importance of reducing its environmental impact and took proactive steps to offset its carbon footprint by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere. The leadership role of the transportation industry in offset purchases indicates a commitment to sustainability and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change through carbon offsetting initiatives.

28.5 million carbon credits were expected to be issued in 2021, a 73% rise from 2020.

The statistic states that in 2021, it was anticipated that 28.5 million carbon credits would be issued, representing a substantial 73% increase compared to the previous year’s issuance. Carbon credits are a form of tradable permit that represents the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide or an equivalent amount of a different greenhouse gas. The rise in the issuance of carbon credits indicates a growing emphasis on greenhouse gas reduction measures and environmental sustainability efforts. This increased issuance could be driven by regulatory changes, increased demand for carbon offsets, or improved methods for quantifying and monitoring emissions.

References

0. – https://www.greenworldalliance.org

1. – https://www.www.spglobal.com

2. – https://www.e360.yale.edu

3. – https://www.www.cdp.net

4. – https://www.www.forest-trends.org

5. – https://www.www.jbs.cam.ac.uk

6. – https://www.carboncreditcapital.com

7. – https://www.www.greenbiz.com

8. – https://www.www.unpri.org

9. – https://www.enviroflight.net

10. – https://www.ecometrica.com

11. – https://www.www.ecosystemmarketplace.com

12. – https://www.www.nature.org

13. – https://www.network.bellona.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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