Masterclass in International Carbon Markets
Course Director:
Injy Johnstone, Research Associate in Net Zero Aligned Offsetting
About
The Masterclass in International Carbon Markets equips professionals with a deep understanding of the complexities and evolving dynamics of reaching global net zero through use of market mechanisms. It will review the latest developments in international carbon markets, including as a result of the emerging Article 6 regime under the Paris Agreement, providing insights into both the current trajectory and likely evolution of the international carbon market ecosystem.
This Masterclass will provide an overview of the state of play of international voluntary and compliance carbon markets, explore the intersections between the two, and critically assess the opportunities and barriers to achieving net zero alignment within these systems. It will further introduce a variety of tools to inform assessments of carbon market projects, policies and practices, including as they relate to distinct jurisdictions and sectors.
Format
4x sessions of 90 minutes
Online
Dates
- Session One – Introduction to International Carbon Markets – Wednesday 7 May 2025, 12.00-13.30 BST
- Session Two – Fundamentals of Net Zero Aligned Carbon Markets – Wednesday 14 May 2025, 12.00-13.30 BST
- Session Three – Carbon Markets in the era of Paris Agreement – Wednesday 21 May 2025, 12.00-13.30 BST
- Session Four – Pathfinding in the Carbon Market of Tomorrow – Wednesday 28 May 2025, 12.00-13.30 BST
Fees
- Free
Applications
Places on this course are strictly limited to those who have primary employment in:
- central or local government
- regulatory agencies
- supervisory authorities
- central banks
- multilateral institutions
- non-profit civil society organisations
- registered charities
- philanthropic organisations
Evidence of this may be requested and required.
To apply please complete the application form, for both individual and group bookings. We aim to respond within 10 working days of receipt of the application.
Objectives
By the end of this Masterclass participants will be able to:
- Understand the distinction between voluntary and compliance carbon markets, as well as the ways in which they intersect
- Critically assess opportunities for and barriers to the net zero alignment of such systems
- Understand the latest developments in international carbon markets under the Paris Agreement and how they may evolve in future
- Navigate tools to assist with understanding the complexities of carbon market practice
Masterclass syllabus
Session One
- Introduction to Masterclass in International Carbon Markets
- Review of the diversity of compliance carbon markets and effects on global decarbonisation
- Understand the origins of and evolution within voluntary carbon markets
Session Two
- Overview of the distinction between different types of carbon credits and projects on the carbon market today, including the difference between avoidance, reduction and removals, and different kinds of removal projects
- Introduction to revised Oxford Principles of Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting and how they are relevant to IFIs, MDBs and other policymakers.
Session Three
- Overview of the emerging internationalisation of voluntary and compliance markets enabled via Article 6 of the Paris Agreement
- Exploration of the specific progress, potential and pitfalls each mechanism under Article 6 holds
- Examination of the role of international carbon markets in addressing international aviation and maritime emissions
Session Four
- Future of carbon market developments, implications for specific project types, and the carbon markets ecosystem as a whole
- Review of tools to help critically assess opportunities and risks, introduction to key tools such as a carbon credit rating agencies, insurance and project databases
- Brief summary of course and opportunity for final Q&A
Download Course Brochure
OxSFG was established in 2012 and is a multidisciplinary research centre working to be the world’s best place for research and teaching on sustainable finance and investment. We work globally across asset classes, finance professions, and with different parts of the financial system.