Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/1527152
STiR coffee and tea 41 The Paris Agreement's ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 represents a monumental challenge that re- quires a complete overhaul of the global economy. Limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels necessitates drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors, from energy production and industry to transportation and agriculture. The carbon market is divided into two: the voluntary carbon market (VCM) and the compliance carbon market (CCM). The former allows businesses and individuals to voluntarily offset their emissions, while governments typically mandate the lat- ter to ensure compliance with environmental targets. Within the VCM, a complex ecosystem has formed—land and carbon own- ers; project developers like ALLCOT and South Pole, among others; standard developing organizations like Gold Standard and VSC, just to name two; certification organizations like CSC, RFA, and others; registry platforms like VERRA and Biocar- bon; credit qualifiers like Verifit and IDEAcarbon, traders and buyers— all play a role in ensuring the system works. But while the market has grown, so too have the challenges. Consider India's Jalinga initiative, a bold attempt to integrate carbon credits into tea production. By promoting biodiversity and reducing emissions, Jalinga has become a poster child for how carbon credits can align environmental goals with eco- Within the VCM, a complex ecosystem consisting of land and carbon owners, project developers, standard developing and certification organizations, registry platforms, credit qualifiers, and traders and buyers has formed. Carbon Market Stakeholder Ecosystem Carbon Insetting Voluntary Market Project Operators Legend Direct Independent Entity Carbon Credits Buyers Traders Tea or Coffee Estates / Carbon Owners Registry Platforms Project Developer Validators and Verifiers Certification Organizations Financing Companies Standards Organizations

