Oxford Masterclass on International Carbon Markets

Oxford Masterclass on International Carbon Markets

15/04/2026

Oxford

Oxford Masterclass on International Carbon Markets

The Masterclass in International Carbon Markets equips professionals with a deep understanding of the complexities and evolving dynamics of reaching global net zero through the 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.

This Masterclass is designed for financiers and investors looking to develop or strengthen their understanding of international carbon market dynamics, including net-zero alignment.

The Masterclass concludes with an exclusive dinner at an Oxford College, providing participants with the opportunity to continue discussions and network with peers and faculty in a historic academic setting.

Objectives

By the end of this Masterclass participants will be able to:

  • Appreciate 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

  • Foundations of the International Carbon Market: This session will introduce key terminology and concepts related to the international carbon market. It will introduce the history, form and function of voluntary and compliance based schemes and how they interact to form the international carbon market at large.
  • Fundamentals of Net Zero Aligned Carbon Markets: This session will introduce the distinction between the different types of carbon credits and projects on the carbon market today, including the distinction between avoidance, reduction and removals, and the different types of them that can exist. This session will also introduce the revised Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting and explore an interactive case study to bring them to life.
  • Carbon Markets in the Era of the Paris Agreement: This session will review the nascent international carbon market structures in the era of Paris implementation, including cooperative approaches under Article 6.2, the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism under Article 6.4. It will further explore the role of emerging sectoral carbon markets established to address international aviation and maritime emissions, and what the new frontiers of international carbon markets means for the private sector.
  • Pathfinding in the Carbon Market of Tomorrow: This session will examine the future of carbon market developments, what tailwinds and headwinds are on the horizon for specific project types as well as the overall ecosystem. This session will further review practical tools to help critically assess opportunities and risks in the international carbon market including carbon credit rating agencies, insurance and databases. It will also include the opportunity to hear experiences from practitioners themselves.

Course Directors

Injy Johnstone, Research Associate in Net Zero Aligned Offsetting

Dr Ben Caldecott, Director, Oxford Sustainable Finance Group | Lombard Odier Associate Professor & Senior Research Fellow

Apply

The fee for the Oxford Masterclass on International Carbon Markets is £950. There is a discretionary discounted rate of £475 for participants whose proven primary employment is in the public and third sectors. We define the public and third sectors as:

  • central or local government
  • regulatory agencies
  • supervisory authorities
  • central banks
  • multilateral institutions
  • non-profit civil society organisations
  • registered charities
  • philanthropic organisations

 

State-backed companies, including public financial institutions, operating to make a commercial return are not eligible for discretionary discounts. Nor are consultants serving public and third sector clients.

We apply the discretionary discount on a case-by-case basis and will prioritise those from emerging markets and developing countries. At the same time as considering a discretionary discount we will consider eligibility for bursaries based on merit and need. We may request further information from you and your employer before we can process a discount or bursary

Fees
Private sector £950
Public sector & civil society £475