Photo: Envato Elements
Carbon markets are emerging as a critical tool for mobilizing private climate investments for the achievement of the Paris Agreement. Yet many developing countries face barriers in effectively engaging in these markets, from limited access to reliable data to the complexity of navigating multiple standards.
COP30, which took place in Brazil in November, re-emphasized the important role finance plays in achieving national and global climate goals. A report launched at the conference outlines the need for US$3.2 trillion annually by 2035, including $1.3 trillion in external finance, to meet climate and development goals.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and BeZero Carbon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support governments in developing countries with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to participate in carbon markets with confidence, effectiveness and integrity.
In carbon markets, high integrity means that carbon credits represent real, additional, permanent, and verifiable emission reductions, while avoiding double counting and respecting social and environmental safeguards.
Carbon rating agencies independently assess these factors at the project level and provide transparent ratings that help buyers, governments, and investors trust that the credits they purchase meet robust standards and deliver genuine climate benefits. Their work complements global efforts by UNDP and other organizations to build high-integrity carbon markets that are robust, transparent, and impactful for climate and sustainable development goals.
Data access for stronger decision-making
As an independent carbon rating agency, BeZero Carbon combines technical expertise, large-scale geospatial and data analytics, and global coverage across all major crediting standards. Its platform hosts in-depth project ratings, analytics and sector-wide assessments that allow users to compare project quality and follow developments across compliance and voluntary markets. BeZero works with governments such as the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment and Singapore’s National Environment Agency, which are integrating independent quality assessments into their Article 6 due diligence.
Through the new two-year agreement that will run until October 2027, BeZero will provide UNDP teams with free access to all features on its platform. This includes BeZero’s full library of project-level ratings, risk analysis and data on project performance and emerging opportunities. The access will enable more tailored policy advice for navigating the opportunities and risks of carbon markets alongside more effective national engagement.
Building knowledge on Article 6 and beyond
The partnership also includes joint development of targeted knowledge materials on high-integrity carbon markets, including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, building on existing materials. These resources will leverage insights from the BeZero platform and are designed to support UNDP-led capacity-building efforts in developing countries, ensuring that governments can shape their carbon market participation in line with national priorities and sustainable development goals.
By combining BeZero’s data expertise with UNDP’s on-the-ground support through its worldwide network of country offices, the initiative aims to level the playing field for developing countries in fast-moving carbon markets.
For UNDP, ensuring the integrity of carbon markets goes beyond accounting for emissions. High-integrity markets also require strong social and environmental safeguards, alignment with national development strategies, and tangible benefits for local communities. This partnership contributes to UNDP’s wider efforts to raise standards across both voluntary and compliance markets by providing governments with the knowledge and tools needed to deliver climate action. It complements UNDP’s High-Integrity Carbon Markets Toolkit, which aims to drive convergence on high-integrity, boost market confidence and provide practical guidance for policy makers.
*UNDP does not endorse any brand, product, entity or service. The partnership with BeZero Carbon complements UNDP’s wider work to strengthen high-integrity carbon markets.