Insights & Events

COP30: Time to deliver – from negotiations to implementation 

02.12.2025
When the world gathered at COP30 in Belém, a subtle but crucial shift happened. The focus was no longer on crafting frameworks or discussing intentions. Instead, the message was clear: it is time for action, transparency, and delivery. For all of us working in climate mitigation, carbon markets, sustainability, and climate finance, this marks a turning point and an opportunity.
At the heart of this COP was the Global Mutirão, the political signal that sets the tone for the next chapter. The emphasis now is on implementing national plans, updating climate and adaptation strategies, aligning action with real-world ambitions, and strengthening cross-border cooperation. While the 1.5 °C goal remains central, the road forward will not be paved by diplomacy alone, but by credible projects, clear reporting, and measurable progress.
Carbon markets enter reality – Article 6 and the end of CDM

Opening of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) – photo by Raimundo Paccó/COP30

One of the most tangible outcomes of COP30 relates to carbon markets. The era of the  Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is ending: it will formally close on 30 June 2026. In its place comes the Paris-era architecture, notably the Article 6 mechanisms.
For Article 6.4 (the Paris Agreement’s new crediting mechanism), COP30 finally secured early-phase financing. USD 26.8 million from the CDM Trust Fund was allocated to kick off operations, capacity building, and methodological work. For developers and project partners, this is a long-awaited green light to begin designing high-integrity carbon projects under the new rules.
Meanwhile, Article 6.2, which enables bilateral or multilateral cooperative approaches, has shifted from theory into practice. Countries have begun submitting reports and authorisations, building the institutional infrastructure for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). Article 6.8 has also gained attention: non-market approaches now encompass cooperation on adaptation, sustainable development, resilience, not only emission reductions.
This transition is a real-world test for the Paris carbon market system. Early movers who commit to transparent accounting, robust baselines, and environmental integrity are likely to be well-positioned as demand for credible carbon credits increases.
Forests, finance and nature-based solutions: new chances for long-term investment
COP30 also recognised that deep decarbonisation cannot rely solely on the fossil-fuel transition. Protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks, including tropical forests, is essential and will require long-term commitment.
The launch of the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF) with more than USD 6 billion pledged by countries such as Germany, Brazil, Norway, Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Portugal signals growing interest in nature-based climate solutions. Blended funding, long planning horizons, and multilateral cooperation make this fund a potential pillar of global climate finance for years to come.
At the same time, COP30 reaffirmed that climate finance needs to increase significantly, especially for adaptation. With clearer commitments on forward-looking finance information and the repurposing of unspent CDM resources to support new mechanisms and adaptation funds, the financial groundwork for climate action is becoming more stable and predictable. However, these measures address only the initial phases. The long-term financing architecture, particularly for the sustained Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, large-scale project pipelines, and predictable flows for adaptation, remains one of the key mid-term questions that still needs to be solved.
Social dimensions, gender and just transitions – climate action beyond carbon

Sonia Guajajara, Minister for Indigenous Peoples of Brazil cries with a indigenous woman Angela Kaxuyana as they participate a signing ceremony for the delimitation of lands with National Foundation of Indigenous Peoples and the celebration of the declaration and homologation decrees for indigenous lands, at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) – photo by Ueslei Marcelino/COP30

One of the more important shifts at COP30 was the stronger recognition of the social and human dimensions of climate action. Reducing emissions is no longer enough: climate strategies must be inclusive and sensitive to community realities. A new Gender Action Plan (2026-2034) paves the way for more inclusive participation of women and girls in climate projects. At the same time, the expanded concept of “Just Transition” acknowledges that sectors and regions dependent on fossil fuels or vulnerable to change need targeted support, whether through job creation, social safeguards, and/or capacity building.

For companies, project developers, and investors, this means that integrity and social responsibility will matter more than ever. High-quality climate projects will no longer be defined solely by carbon volumes, but also by their ability to respond to community needs, deliver tangible local benefits, and ensure long-term sustainability.
What COP30 means for companies, projects and climate investors

Building Bridges: Collaborative Climate Action under the Mutirão Spirit of COP30 – photo Rafa Neddermeyer/COP30 Brasil Amazônia/PR

COP30 did not deliver the grand breakthroughs some expected. There was no collective fossil-fuel phase-out roadmap, and no binding global commitment to end deforestation. Instead, the COP delivered something subtler: the architecture for action, finance, markets, and implementation. For businesses and climate-finance actors, this new landscape presents several opportunities:

  • First, carbon markets under Article 6 are opening. Those who engage early, build strong baselines, ensure environmental and social integrity, and commit to transparency may help shape standards for years to come.
  • Second, nature-based solutions are still in the spotlight. Long-term funds for forest protection, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land use, including agroecology and regenerative agriculture, are likely to expand.
  • Third, adaptation and social dimensions are becoming integral. Projects that combine mitigation, adaptation, community benefits, and gender-social inclusion are likely to stand out as especially valuable and future-proof.
  • Finally, implementation matters more than ever. Reporting, verification, cooperation, and capacity-building – all become part of the climate-action toolkit. Delivering results will matter more than announcing intentions.
A new phase begins – welcoming the era of delivery

COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago during closing plenary meeting of the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) – photo by Ueslei Marcelino/COP30

COP30 may not have produced sweeping fossil-fuel phase-out commitments or global deforestation bans. But by closing the negotiation cycle and opening the implementation phase, it laid down a foundation for the next years. For Volkswagen ClimatePartner and our partners, project developers and investors, this is a moment to rise to the challenge: to design high-integrity carbon projects, support nature-based solutions, ensure social justice, and embed transparency and impact at every step.

For Volkswagen ClimatePartner and our partners, this is a moment to take on the practical work that implementation requires: to keep developing high-integrity carbon projects, strengthen nature-based solutions, and respond to community needs. It also means committing to transparent monitoring, reporting, and verification, sharing information openly, and working closely with local governments and agencies to ensure that project activities support national climate goals and contribute to long-term progress.  

 

The next years will be decisive. The tools are now in motion. So let’s build real climate impact together.

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