Brookings Urges 9 North American Carbon Programs to Build Common Market Infrastructure
Updated
Updated · Brookings Institution · May 14
Brookings Urges 9 North American Carbon Programs to Build Common Market Infrastructure
1 articles · Updated · Brookings Institution · May 14
Summary
Brookings said North America’s carbon markets should be integrated through shared registry systems, standardized disclosure and aligned governance rules to cut transaction costs and improve transparency.
At least 24 government-run carbon credit programs operate globally, including nine in North America, while more than a dozen independent programs issue credits mainly for voluntary buyers, leaving the market fragmented by incompatible credit types.
The brief argues stronger federal and state support for voluntary markets could create a path for independently issued credits to enter future regulatory systems, provided governance and credit-quality weaknesses are addressed.
California and Washington already draw on standards from independent programs, and Brookings says a future U.S. carbon fee on imports could use independent credits as an off-the-shelf compliance option.
Billions were lost to low-quality credits. Can new standards truly fix the carbon market's fundamental trust problem?
As North America unifies its carbon market, how will it integrate with Europe’s established carbon border mechanism?
With science-based targets restricting offsets, what will fuel the voluntary carbon market's projected explosive growth?
The 2026 Push for a Unified North American Carbon Market: Brookings’ Call for Integration and Climate Leadership
Overview
On May 26, 2026, the Brookings Institution published a major recommendation urging North American carbon credit programs to build a common market infrastructure. This call aims to integrate and align both compliance and voluntary carbon credit markets across the continent, moving beyond the current diversity and fragmentation of programs. By fostering a more unified approach, the goal is to create a more cohesive and effective system for carbon mitigation efforts throughout North America. The recommendation highlights the need to overcome varied policy objectives and priorities, making carbon markets more reliable, transparent, and impactful in reducing emissions.