The Navigator offers practical insights to help businesses and policymakers adapt to the shifting dynamics of carbon markets and climate policy.
Carbon Direct has released its inaugural quarterly industry insights report, The Navigator, whichincludes distilled policy, science, and market insights across climate and carbon markets. This April 2025 issue covers the evolving landscape of climate policy under President Trump’s second term, including state-level resilience, evolving carbon market standards, and scientific advances in carbon management technologies and debates.
Read the report: The Navigator – April 2025
“With The Navigator, we’re aiming to provide clear, actionable insights for making sense of today’s rapidly changing climate landscape,” stated Dr. Bodie Cabiyo, Director of Interdisciplinary Science at Carbon Direct. “While federal policies are shifting, there’s still a lot of momentum in the science and policy of carbon management. We want this report to help people cut through the noise and focus on what really matters.”
Carbon Direct’s The Navigator is collaboratively compiled by Carbon Direct’s scientists, leadership, analysts, and staff to address the most pressing legislative, regulatory, reporting, and market developments.
Key Highlights from the April 2025 Edition:
- Policy Insights:
- Federal Shifts: President Trump’s executive actions, including withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and regulatory rollbacks, signal a pivot toward fossil fuels. However, bipartisan support for key clean energy tax credits offers some stability.
- State-Level Leadership: States like Virginia and California are advancing innovative climate policies, reinforcing their role as “laboratories of democracy” in the fight against climate change.
- Global Action: Switzerland has doubled down on its ambitious climate goals, while Japan’s $1 trillion decarbonization plan highlights international leadership amid U.S. federal policy shifts.
- Science Insights:
- AI and Energy Demand: The rapid growth of AI technologies has increased electricity demand. Carbon capture integration with natural gas power generation offers a potential bridge to cleaner energy solutions.
- Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR): Emerging mCDR technologies show promise for scaling carbon removal efforts if challenges in monitoring, ecological impacts, and community engagement are addressed.
- Market Insights:
- SBTi Net-Zero Standard Updates: Proposed changes to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) could drive industry alignment with global standards but may fall short in addressing residual emissions comprehensively.
- CORSIA’s Role: The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is poised to play a pivotal role in voluntary carbon markets this year.
“Federal policy dynamics are challenging, but they’re not the whole story,” said Dr. Zara Ahmed, COO at Carbon Direct. “States are stepping up, and we’re seeing resilience in voluntary markets and private-sector commitments. This is a moment for companies and governments to double down on long-term climate strategies, to think long-term and globally.”
Discover the latest trends and insights—explore the Business Insights Journal for up-to-date strategies and industry breakthroughs!
