COP30: Three key outcomes for corporates
November 26, 2025By Lena Koch, Climate Policy Advisor, ClimatePartner
COP30 took place in Belém (Brazil) from 10–22 November. In the lead-up, civil society groups raised concerns about limited accommodation raising hotel prices, which would favour lobbyists and other groups. US officials were notably absent, once again playing into concerns over whether international cooperation would stall.
Going into COP30, the main climate action topics on the agenda were Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), adaptation measures, solidifying a long-term climate finance plan, discussions on Article 6 rules, and the creation – due to the host country location – of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) along with a future roadmap to end deforestation.
For corporates, the outcomes from COP30 negotiations will have implications for mitigation and adaptation investments, the Article 6 carbon market, and carbon accounting standards.
Climate finance gap: Scaling mitigation and adaptation
COP30 reaffirmed the $1.3 trillion annual climate finance goal by 2030 under the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap, but few new climate finance pledges from the Parties were announced.
Adaptation finance is expected to triple by 2035, yet baselines and concrete commitments remain unclear.
The gap between ambition and available public finance remains significant, not only for adaptation but also for mitigation, especially in nature-based solutions and renewable energy.
Implication for corporates
Corporates have an opportunity to accelerate investment in both mitigation and adaptation. Priority areas include supply chain decarbonisation, nature restoration, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Article 6 operationalisation: Integrity and infrastructure
COP30 marked a pivot from rulemaking to implementation for Article 6.
Article 6.4 (Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism)
The Article 6.4 Supervisory Body made significant progress on standards and tools since COP29: the first methodology was approved earlier this year, the pipeline includes renewables (expected 2026), and nature-based solutions are under review.
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) transition
The deadline for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects to transition to PACM is 30 June 2026, which means liquidity and credit availability in PACM could come sooner.
Implication for corporates
Carbon markets under Article 6 are finally moving forward, offering a high-integrity mechanism that corporates can use alongside VCM programs. VCM and Article 6 markets are becoming more closely aligned with shared principles on environmental integrity, transparency, and robust MRV, increasing confidence in carbon markets.
Political momentum: Coalitions driving standardisation and recognition
COP30 saw the launch of three major coalitions that will shape the future of carbon markets.
Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets (Kenya, Singapore, UK)
A government-led initiative launched at London Climate Action Week and formalised at COP30 to strengthen voluntary demand for high-integrity carbon credits.
Key features
- Co-chaired by Kenya, Singapore, and the UK; founding members include France and Panama, with Peru endorsing
Issued ‘Shared Principles’ for corporate use of carbon credits to provide consistency across jurisdictions - Focus on Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) to channel investment into renewable energy, nature restoration, and sustainable agriculture
- Goal: Unlock $50 billion annually by 2030 in debt-free private finance for climate action to help close the $1.3 trillion finance gap
Why it matters: Responds to private sector demand for clarity on carbon credit use in corporate decarbonisation strategies and creates a framework for voluntary markets to align with Article 6 integrity standards.
Coalition for Compliance Carbon Markets (18 countries incl. EU, China, Brazil)
The Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets was launched by Brazil during COP30.
Key features
- Endorsed by 18 countries: Brazil, China, EU, UK, Germany, and others
- It aims to harmonise carbon markets globally by developing shared standards for MRV, accounting, and offset integrity
- Seeks to connect different compliance systems to improve liquidity, predictability, and transparency
- Positions compliance carbon markets as central to implementing the Paris Agreement and enabling a just transition
Why it matters: For corporates operating in multiple jurisdictions, this coalition signals future interoperability of compliance markets, reducing fragmentation and increasing certainty for carbon pricing strategies.
Article 6 Ambition Alliance (Swiss-led)
A coalition launched at COP30 to narrow the gap between current NDCs and Paris temperature goals by promoting Article 6 cooperation beyond NDC compliance.
Key features
- Members include Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, and host countries like Peru, Chile, Mongolia, Ghana, and Zambia
- Focus on Other International Mitigation Purposes (OIMP): financing Article 6 activities without counting them toward NDCs
- Encourages countries to authorise projects for purposes beyond domestic targets, creating additional demand for ITMOs
Why it matters: Opens new opportunities for corporates to participate in high-integrity mitigation activities beyond compliance, signalling a potential bridge between compliance and voluntary markets.
Implications for corporates
These initiatives will accelerate convergence between compliance and voluntary markets, reduce fragmentation, and create opportunities for corporates to engage in high-integrity projects. Expect stronger alignment of VCM standards with Article 6 principles.
Other developments: ISO x GHG Protocol
The ISO x GHG Protocol partnership was announced in September to harmonise carbon accounting standards globally. Then the strategic partnership aligned with COP30 to underscore the commitment to harmonising international standards for future climate action.
Implication for corporates
Companies will receive more clarity on carbon accounting standards on an international level.