Reflections from Davos: Scaling Carbon Markets with Innovation and Action

World Economic Forum in Davos sent a clear message: we have the tools to scale carbon markets, but now we need to use them. 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of international collaboration, highlighting carbon markets as a key driver of climate action, particularly in the Global South.

One of the most powerful (and most talked about) tools at our disposal is artificial intelligence. AI is transforming carbon markets by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and scalability. AI-powered remote sensing validates project impact in near real-time, while machine learning forecasts variance and reduces MRV costs. 

Pricing is another perfect use case for AI, enabling risk-adjusted pricing and improved transparency.

But technology alone isn’t enough. We need to take action on all fronts. Unlocking the full potential of carbon markets requires coordinated efforts across policy and financing, in addition to technology. 

We need to take the following steps:

• Move from policy to action: Realize Article 6 transactions, not just frameworks.

• Harness AI for scalability: Smarter verification, faster approvals, and better market integration.

• Create long-term certainty: Businesses must engage for the long run, and governments need to provide clear, stable carbon policies.

As we move forward, initiatives like Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) Mission300 are critical in getting climate finance where it's needed most, into projects that create jobs, build resilience, and drive real change in the Global South.

The public sector isn’t doing it alone. Companies like Rubicon Carbon are stepping up to turn ambition into action by curating high-integrity carbon credit portfolios for corporate decarbonization strategies.

The message from Davos is clear: the time for pilot projects and discussions is over. We have the tools. Now it's time to act.