Voluntary carbon offset prices fall
Uncertainty over integrity of offsets has weighed on prices since the start of the year, brokers tells Carbon Economist
Prices and volumes in the voluntary carbon market (VCM) have fallen sharply since the start of 2023, although retirements of credits are holding steady. Prices on the two most liquid futures markets on the CME exchange are down by around 60pc and 70pc on the year. The December 2023 global emission offset product is trading at around $3/t, down from $7/t a year earlier and $3.50/t at the beginning of this year. The NGO product for nature-based offsets is trading at c.$4.10/t, compared with more than $15/t this time last year and c.$6.50/t at the beginning of 2023. The decline in futures prices is emblematic of an overall trend in the physical market, says Erduan Reid, head of voluntary carbo
Also in this section
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined






