Knowing the Different Kinds of Presentations at NACW

For over two decades, NACW has been providing climate professionals with access to the latest information and updates on carbon markets and climate policy. There are two ways to learn and share content – workshops and sessions.

All workshops are scheduled for the first day of the conference. They may feature different formats and be hosted by organizations besides the Climate Action Reserve. At NACW 2024, registered attendees may attend any workshops that are included in the NACW program. Please note that registration is for the full conference.

Sessions include plenary sessions and breakout sessions, and all take place on the second and third days of the conference. These sessions are designed as interactive discussions among a group of panelists with a moderator leading the discussion. Breakout sessions fall under one of four different paths. All sessions are hosted by the Climate Action Reserve and are included in the NACW program.

Draft NACW 2024 program subject to change

2024-03-19
2024-03-19
Yosemite
Imperial B
Imperial A
Grand A
Franciscan D
Franciscan C
Franciscan B
Franciscan A
2024-03-20
2024-03-20
Yosemite
Imperial B
Imperial A
Grand B
Grand A
Franciscan
2024-03-21
2024-03-21
Yosemite
Imperial B
Imperial A
Grand B
Grand A
Franciscan
Yosemite
Imperial B
Imperial A
Grand A
Franciscan D
Franciscan C
Franciscan B
Franciscan A
Yosemite
Imperial B
Imperial A
Grand B
Grand A
Franciscan
Yosemite
Imperial B
Imperial A
Grand B
Grand A
Franciscan
08:00 - 17:00
Registration

Location: Yosemite

09:00 - 09:50
Unlocking Climate Action From the UN Climate Change Process Perspective: The UAE Consensus and the Significance of the Conference of the Parties

Host: Nathalie Flores, UNFCCC SBSTA Vice-Chair
Location: Franciscan C

Ethnic Communities Leading NBS Initiatives in Latin America image
09:00 - 09:50
Ethnic Communities Leading NBS Initiatives in Latin America

Host: BIOFIX
Location: Franciscan D

Explore the synergy between carbon markets and ethnic communities and gain insights from an experienced project developer in Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) as we delve into the following key themes:

  • Threats confronting collective territories in Latin America and the region’s climate agenda response.
  • Social and environmental potential, along with benefits for communities and businesses, derived from nature-based solutions.
  • Innovative mechanisms and participatory approaches within Biofix’s technical and legal project development experience.

Speaker: Marco Andrés González Carantón, BIOFIX Corp Chief Legal Officer

Outlook for Investors in North American Carbon Markets: Latest Modeling Results and Investor Signals image
09:00 - 09:50
Outlook for Investors in North American Carbon Markets: Latest Modeling Results and Investor Signals

Host: cCarbon.info
Location: Imperial B

 

In this breakout session, economists will share their outlook for 2024 for the key cap and trade carbon markets in North America: WCI, RGGI, Washington Cap and Invest. We will also examine the role of investors and the inter-play between other global carbon markets.

 

The session will examine:

  1. Investors present in the different markets. This has been mapped this for the first time
  2. Demand-supply trends and outlook for the instruments in these markets:  CCAs, CCOs, RGGI allowances, WCAs
  3. Review of the latest consultations on WCI Cap and Trade, expected changes on carbon intensities on LCFS and the RGGI program review
  4. Outlook on price in the near term as well as the long-term

 

Speakers:

Harry Horner, Nikhil Agarwal, Craig Rocha, external investor speaker TBD

09:00 - 17:00
Exhibit Hall

Location: Grand A

How to Build a Resilient Carbon Offset Portfolio image
09:00 - 09:50
How to Build a Resilient Carbon Offset Portfolio

Host: Boomitra
Location: Franciscan B

 

Join industry leaders for a pivotal workshop that bridges the gap between supply and demand in the carbon credit market. This event is essential for anyone involved in the carbon credit ecosystem, from seasoned project developers and credit buyers to sustainability officers.

The session will explore:

  • How leading corporations construct resilient carbon offset portfolios
  • Priorities and criteria corporations use when selecting carbon credits, providing project developers with insights to meet buyer needs
  • Methods for evaluating the downstream and additional impacts of various carbon credit offset options
  • How carbon credit buyers incorporate soil carbon credits and other nature-based solutions into their portfolios

Speakers:

  • Paola Del Rio V., Regional Manager LATAM, Project Development, Volkswagen ClimatePartner
  • Uti Agarwal, Americas Carbon Originator, BP
  • Aadith Moorthy, CEO & Founder of Boomitra
Updates & Trends in State-Level Climate Action image
10:15 - 11:05
Updates & Trends in State-Level Climate Action

Host: ClimeCo
Location: Imperial B
 
State-level climate action is on the rise throughout the US. From carrot to stick methods, there are a variety of different approaches being taken by States, including carbon pricing, reporting standards, buy clean initiatives and more. This workshop will provide an overview of key updates and trends in State policy action and review several case studies. The goal of the workshop is to bring participants up-to-speed on the plethora of recent state-level interventions and what is in the policy pipeline moving forward.

 

Speaker: Zach Harmer, Senior Manager, Policy

LATAM Carbon Market Expansion: Incorporating Lessons Learned from Mexico and Adapting to New Jurisdictions image
10:15 - 12:15
LATAM Carbon Market Expansion: Incorporating Lessons Learned from Mexico and Adapting to New Jurisdictions

Host: Climate Action Reserve
Location: Franciscan A

 

The voluntary carbon market in Latin America and the Caribbean has grown significantly in the past years. The Climate Action Reserve has 232 actively reporting projects under the 5 protocols adapted to Mexico, and in the past year, has launched and/or completed four new protocols for the region, applying lessons learned from Mexico to be adapted to new local contexts in Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Argentina.

 

In the first part of this workshop, hear directly from key actors from Mexico such as ejido/community members and project developers on how carbon forest projects impact communities. Learn how they design carbon projects to ensure a local impact and how the Reserve’s protocols protect social and environmental benefits. This session will also feature a policy expert to discuss Mexico’s carbon markets, both voluntary and compliance, and potential upcoming changes in the regulatory framework.

 

In the second part, learn from experts from the private and public sectors, as well as NGOs, on how they are working with the Reserve to adopt new protocols to countries throughout Latin America, apply lessons learned from existing protocols, and the potential for further protocol development in the region.

Navigating the Mosaic of North American Carbon and Clean Fuels Markets image
11:30 - 12:20
Navigating the Mosaic of North American Carbon and Clean Fuels Markets

Host: cCarbon.info
Location: Franciscan C
 
With the increasing number of North American carbon markets, it is likely that the region will represent the largest global carbon market in a few years. Between the WCI, RGGI, Washington Cap and Invest, and the various LCFS markets (like CA LCFS, OR CFP, BC LCFS, WA CFS that impact transportation), these markets have an annual issuance of over $30b already. These numbers are only going to i-increase as Canada CFR trading grows and markets like New York come online.
 
This workshop will cover:

  1. Similarities and differences between these different markets
  2. How they interconnect with one-another
  3. Trading signals that one can use to compare between these markets

Speakers:
Pawan Mehra, Dr Bikash Maharaj, Craig Rocha, Arpit Soni

Pre-Issuance Projects – What Are Buyers Looking For? image
11:30 - 12:20
Pre-Issuance Projects – What Are Buyers Looking For?

Host: BeZero
Location: Imperial B
 
BeZero Carbon invites project developers and other market stakeholders to take part in this workshop focusing on what buyers and investors are looking for when considering deploying capital into a project pre-issuance. We know that buyers are increasingly looking to secure long term offtakes and invest in early-stage projects, but what elements of project design and implementation are they most interested in and what risks are they most concerned about? Based on an understanding of this, how can developers effectively showcase risk mitigation and their project strengths using the tools available to them to reassure prospects that their project will successfully reach issuance?
 
This session will be interactive and include breakout discussions. More details to follow.
 
Speakers: Spencer Meyer, VP of Ratings, BeZero Carbon and Rose Slater, Developer Engagement Manager, BeZero Carbon

Pricing Carbon & LCFS Markets With OPIS image
11:30 - 12:20
Pricing Carbon & LCFS Markets With OPIS

Host: OPIS
Location: Franciscan B

 

Putting a price on carbon is one of the most fundamental factors in the conversation around decarbonization — just what is it worth? At OPIS, that’s our bread and butter. OPIS is the leading provider of daily price assessments in carbon and Low Carbon Fuel Standard markets, with industry contracts and futures instruments based on our price reporting. Hear from OPIS Directors Bridget Hunsucker and Jordan Godwin about the methodology behind our price discovery process and how industry stakeholders are utilizing those values in their day-to-day activities.

 

Speakers: Bridget Hunsucker, Director, Carbon Markets at OPIS and Jordan Godwin, Director, Renewables at OPIS

12:00 - 13:00
Lunch & Exhibit Hall

Lunch: Yosemite
Exhibit Hall: Grand A

Agriculture Sector Workshop image
13:00 - 15:00
Agriculture Sector Workshop

Host: Climate Action Reserve
Location: Franciscan A

 
The agricultural sector is a key player in our fight against climate change yet projects in this sector present many technical and administrative challenges. With growing interest from the market, new models being validated, and an increase in projects, the Reserve is eager to discuss this sector with interested stakeholders at our NACW conference.

 
The workshop will be an excellent opportunity for interested stakeholders to discuss aspects of our Soil Enrichment Protocol (SEP), and other agricultural protocols, to share lessons learnt and help improve the protocol for continued and increased implementation. To kick off the workshop, Ryan Pape from Indigo Ag, Meredith Varie from Truterra LLC | Land O’Lakes, and Mike Nassry from Nutrien Ag Solutions, will provide an overview of their projects including status, next steps and lessons learnt.

 
This will be followed by a discussion focused on biogeochemical models and their use for agricultural carbon accounting. Brian McConkey, Chief Scientist with Viresco Solutions, will provide an overview of the various biogeochemical models, including their applicability, use to date, and statuses relative to the Reserve’s Model Validation and Calibration requirements.

 
To round out the discussion, Matt Campbell from Aster Global Environmental Solutions who has verified relevant projects will provide an overview of their verifications services and speak to the differences and challenges associated with agricultural verification services. The workshop will conclude with a short ‘wrap-up’ and overview of our proposed SEP V2.0 update from Reserve staff. All presentations will be followed by a Q&A. We hope you can join us for a timely and important conversation that will review lessons learnt to date with the aim of supporting the advancement and success of agricultural projects in the voluntary carbon market.

Rebuilding IFM From the Ground Up image
13:30 - 14:20
Rebuilding IFM From the Ground Up

Host: Green Diamond Resource Company
Location: Franciscan C

 

 

As carbon markets have matured, increased scrutiny on key elements of credit quality have led many to consider improved forest management (IFM) projects as synonymous with gratuitous crediting. We have a more positive view of IFM projects. Done thoughtfully and with an emphasis on quality, IFM projects can meaningfully contribute to climate solutions.  Our organization has been focused on removals-based IFM projects on our working forestlands for over eight years. These projects generate far fewer credits, but the credits thus generated tend to be above reproach. We would like to offer an overview of this alternative approach to IFM projects.

 

Speakers: Dave Walters, VP Acquisitions and Business Development and Zane Haxtema, Manager of Forest Carbon Projects

Harmonizing Environmental Markets: Interoperable Digital Infrastructure image
13:30 - 14:20
Harmonizing Environmental Markets: Interoperable Digital Infrastructure

Host: Xpansiv
Location: Imperial B
 

The world of environmental commodities is expanding rapidly. It now includes additional compliance carbon markets, new carbon crediting standards, CFS programs, timestamped RECs, and low-carbon approaches to traditional commodities – with considerable overlap between these categories. New participants and digital infrastructure are helping drive this growth, including new registries, marketplaces, and service providers. This session will explore how to encourage the interoperability of environmental market digital infrastructure needed in order to effectively deploy capital across all sectors and commodities.

Rightsizing Carbon Credits to Address the Over-Crediting Problem image
13:30 - 14:20
Rightsizing Carbon Credits to Address the Over-Crediting Problem

Host: Calyx
Location: Franciscan B

 

There are a number of carbon credits available on the market that make an impact yet don’t fully deliver on the 1 tonne of CO2 avoided or removed that they promise. So how is a carbon credit buyer supposed to make claims they can be confident in? Learn about the multiple quality facets of carbon credits and how to build a portfolio that addresses over-crediting, so you can mitigate risk and maximize climate impact.

Scaling Biochar: State of the Industry and Opportunities for Growth image
14:45 - 15:35
Scaling Biochar: State of the Industry and Opportunities for Growth

Host: US Biochar Initiative
Location: Franciscan B

 

We will present an overview biochar and the state of the industry, followed by a deep dive on results from the recently completed Global Biochar Industry Survey. Our overview will focus on key revenue streams available to biochar producers: carbon removal credits, biochar as a material, tipping fees for waste biomass, and pygas valorization via electricity, heat, bio-oils, and other chemicals. We will then present findings of our first annual biochar industry survey, which will be conducted November 2023. Finally, we will present challenges and opportunities in the following topic areas: carbon and climate, end-use markets for biochar, and production technologies.

 

Speaker: Myles Gray, Program Director

 

Building Quality and Confidence in Carbon Dioxide Removal image
14:45 - 15:35
Building Quality and Confidence in Carbon Dioxide Removal

Host: National Institute of Standards and Technology
Location: Franciscan C

 

NIST will facilitate a discussion on the value of widely accepted standards and assessment methods for carbon dioxide removal.  Stakeholders will share perspectives on challenges and opportunities in quantifying CDR as it relates to quality and confidence in carbon removal purchases.

Conservation Easements as Tools for Permanence and Quality in Forestry Projects: Fundamentals and Emerging Issues image
15:30 - 17:00
Conservation Easements as Tools for Permanence and Quality in Forestry Projects: Fundamentals and Emerging Issues

Host: Land Trust Alliance and Conservation Partners
Location: Franciscan A

 

Conservation easements are becoming an increasingly relevant tool for high-integrity carbon projects, yet many of us have much to learn about how conservation easements work and relate to the varied protocols. This workshop will bring together expert panelists representing land trusts and technical consultants to share practical insights from the field in pairing conservation easements with carbon projects. Content will include a general overview of the mechanics of land trusts and conservation easements, highlight specific project types using conservation easements, and explore the varied roles played by land trusts in relation to carbon projects. Session attendees will have an opportunity for Q&A and to raise special topics of interest. This workshop is appropriate to carbon project developers, land managers, policy makers, and others wanting to gain a basic understanding of conservation easements as tools for creating high-integrity carbon projects, as well as those seeking advanced insights on these complex and evolving topics.

 
Speakers: Misti Schmidt (Conservation Partners LLP), Ailla Wasstrom-Evans (Land Trust Alliance), Marissa Spence (Climate Action Reserve), Patti Ruby (American Forests Foundation), Jim Clark (North Coast Resource Management)

How to Mobilize Demand for High Quality Carbon Credits in 2024 image
15:45 - 16:45
How to Mobilize Demand for High Quality Carbon Credits in 2024

Host: ICVCM
Location: Imperial B

Now that we have the VCMI Claims Code of Practice and the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles – what actions are required from the key stakeholder groups to restore trust and liquidity in the market.

Using Scientific Integrity to Combat Greenwashing and Meet Growing Voluntary and Regulatory Requirements image
16:00 - 16:50
Using Scientific Integrity to Combat Greenwashing and Meet Growing Voluntary and Regulatory Requirements

Host: SCS Global Services
Location: Franciscan B
 

Increasing requirements for transparency, accountability, and integrity to combat greenwashing around carbon emissions and claims of Net Zero or Carbon Neutral mean a strong focus on carbon accounting for GHG inventories and projects. Now celebrating our 40th year, SCS Global Services has been providing high-quality verification of GHG emissions and a wide range of carbon offset projects and programs including Afforestation, REDD+, Regenerative Ag, Plastics, Electric Vehicles, and industrial processes to entities large and small. Learn about our complete suite of carbon services to best understand how you can meet your ESG commitments, from voluntary initiatives to SEC, state, federal and international requirements with integrity and scientific rigor.

 

Speakers: Christie Pollet-Young, Vice President, Climate and Heather Rosa, Program Manager, Energy, Industry and Agricultural Offsets

North American Offsets Landscape – Interplay Between Compliance Offset Programs and the Voluntary Markets image
16:00 - 16:50
North American Offsets Landscape – Interplay Between Compliance Offset Programs and the Voluntary Markets

Host: cCarbon.info
Location: Imperial A
 
The North American Compliance Offset and North American voluntary Offsets market is larger than the Global VCM in dollar value. The compliance and voluntary offset markets work in close conjunction with one another with several overlapping protocols.
 
The session will examine:

  1. Outlook on Supply of North American Offsets (US as well)
  2. Demand drivers and key buyers of North American Offsets
  3. Exploring the premium of North America
  4. Most relevant credit opportunities and strategies
Building Integrity Into NCS Project Design image
16:00 - 16:50
Building Integrity Into NCS Project Design

Host: Indigo Ag
Location: Franciscan C

 

An interactive session considering the unique challenges faced by natural climate solutions (NCS) in the context of the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles. Participants will engage on challenges for distinct project types and hear from practitioners how project design choices can overcome these challenges and support a high standard of credit integrity.

 

07:00 - 18:30
Exhibit Hall

Location: Grand A

07:00 - 17:30
Registration

Location: Yosemite

07:00 - 08:00
Breakfast Discussions

Location: Yosemite

  1. Evolving Trends and Advancements in Carbon Taxes and Nature-Based Solutions Across Mexico
    • Led by Alejandra Blanco & Denitza Gonzalez, MexiCO2
  2. Smallholder Food and Ag Companies’ Decision: Insetting or Offsetting?
    • Led by Madhur Jain, Varaha
  3. Decarbonizing the Cement Industry
    • Led by Aron Potash, Latham & Watkins
  4. Improved Forest Management Credit Quality and Next-generation Innovations
    • Led by Rishi Das & Linus Hiscox, BeZero Carbon
  5. What Innovations Should the Reserve Incorporate Into Their Forest Protocols?
    • Led by Jordan Mao, Climate Action Reserve
  6. How Carbon Market Convergence Unlocks Scale & Opportunities
    • Led by Annalise Downey, Sylvera
  7. Through the Looking Glass: the Rapid Evolution and Future of Carbon Project Finance
    • Led by David Moffat, Inlandsis Fund
  8. Carbon Project Development: Designing for Success
    • Led by Steve Lemeshow, EcoEngineers
08:00 - 08:10
Welcome

Location: Grand B

08:10 - 08:30
Keynote Remarks – Chair Liane Randolph, California Air Resources Board

Location: Grand B

Keynote Remarks – Chair Liane Randolph, California Air Resources Board image
Liane Randolph
Chair, California Air Resources Board
08:30 - 08:50
Keynote Remarks – Chairman Rostin Behnam, CFTC (virtual)

Location: Grand B

Keynote Remarks – Chairman Rostin Behnam, CFTC (virtual) image
Rostin Behnam
Chairman, Commodity Futures Trading Commission
08:55 - 10:10
Plenary: Status and Outlook for North American Compliance Markets

Location: Grand B

Plenary: Status and Outlook for North American Compliance Markets image
Judy Meltzer
Director General, Carbon Markets Bureau, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Plenary: Status and Outlook for North American Compliance Markets image
Jean-Yves Benoit
Director General, Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Québec
Plenary: Status and Outlook for North American Compliance Markets image
Eduardo Piquero
CEO, MÉXICO2
Katie Sullivan, Moderator
Managing Director, IETA
Plenary: Status and Outlook for North American Compliance Markets image
Rajinder Sahota
Deputy Executive Officer - Climate Change & Research, California Air Resources Board
10:15 - 10:30
Project Developer Awards Presentation

Location: Grand B

10:30 - 11:00
Networking Break

Location: Grand A

11:00 - 12:00
Breakout Sessions
Path 1: State and Future of the North American Compliance Markets image
Path 1: State and Future of the North American Compliance Markets

Path 1: Markets and Finance
Location: Grand B
 
As the voluntary carbon market continues to develop and grow, compliance markets serve as models for rigor and integrity, and some have years of experience under their belts. California’s compliance market has been in operation for over a decade, and this year marks the 10-year anniversary for the linking of the California and Québec markets. This session will take a deep dive into the status and outlook of compliance markets in North America and how they will influence – or be influenced by – voluntary markets.

Path 1: State and Future of the North American Compliance Markets image
Justin Johnson, Moderator
Partner, MMR, LLC
Path 1: State and Future of the North American Compliance Markets image
Eva Berton
Unit Head, Carbon Markets Bureau, Environment Climate Change Canada
Joel Creswell
Climate Pollution Reduction Program Manager, Washington State Department of Ecology
Mark Sippola
Chief, Cap-and-Trade Program, California Air Resources Board
Path 2: US Federal Action image
Path 2: US Federal Action

Path 2: Policy
Location: Imperial A
 
The Biden Administration has launched a wide variety of new policies to accelerate the US response to climate change. From investing in new technologies to regulating the carbon market, the US federal government is seeking to play a more active role on the national and international stage. This session will examine the impact and focus of these various policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act, the development of hydrogen hubs, regulatory actions by the SEC and CFTC, among others.

Path 2: US Federal Action image
Janet Peace, Moderator
Head of Advisory Services, Anew
Path 2: US Federal Action image
Kristina Wyatt
Deputy General Counsel & Chief Sustainability Officer, Persefoni
Path 2: US Federal Action image
Lauren Sanchez
Senior Advisor for Climate, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
William Hohenstein
Director, Office of Energy and Environmental Policy, USDA
Path 2: US Federal Action image
David Gillers
Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Climate Risk Unit, CFTC
Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale image
Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale

Path 3: Implementation
Location: Imperial B
 
Reducing deforestation is critically important to the sustainability and livelihoods of local communities and climate goals in LATAM. This session will cover advances and challenges in LATAM subnational efforts to reduce deforestation while advancing low-carbon economies and sustainable, forest-based development. Speakers will discuss their experiences with project-based and jurisdiction-scale carbon markets, other financing tools, and policy implementation.

Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale image
Amy Kessler
Director of Latin America, Climate Action Reserve
Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale image
Fabiola Muñoz Dodero
Country Director, Peru, Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF Task Force)
Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale image
Silvia Llamas
Coordinator of Operations, Pronatura Sur A.C.
Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale image
Jason Gray, Moderator
Program Director, Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF Task Force)
Path 3: Advances in Addressing Deforestation at Jurisdictional Scale image
Ana Carolina Moreno Villarreal
Climate Change Analyst, Ministry of Environment of Panama
Path 4: The Promise of Emerging Innovative Carbon Credit Types image
Path 4: The Promise of Emerging Innovative Carbon Credit Types

Path 4: Innovation and Scaling in Carbon Credits
Location: Franciscan
 
The voluntary carbon market continues to grow in terms of credits issued, projects developed and stakeholders coming on board. Along with the growth is continued exploration of promising and innovative new project types. This session has always been popular at NACW and this year it, once again, will examine the more promising possibilities, along with the potential and challenges in scaling these emerging opportunities.

Path 4: The Promise of Emerging Innovative Carbon Credit Types image
McKenzie Smith, Moderator
Associate Director, Climate Action Reserve
Path 4: The Promise of Emerging Innovative Carbon Credit Types image
Mark Denne
Co-founder, Carbon International
Path 4: The Promise of Emerging Innovative Carbon Credit Types image
Danny Gray
Executive Vice President, Eco Material Technologies
Path 4: The Promise of Emerging Innovative Carbon Credit Types image
David LaGreca
Voluntary Carbon Markets Services Director, EcoEngineers
12:00 - 13:30
Lunch & Exhibit Hall

Lunch: Yosemite
Exhibit Hall: Grand A

13:30 - 14:30
Breakout Sessions
Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It image
Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It

Path 1: Markets and Finance
Location: Grand B
 
Incorporated in 2011, WCI serves to ensure the success of its participating jurisdictions’ GHG emissions trading programs. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the linking of its two founding jurisdictions’ carbon markets, and now there are real possibilities for other programs, including Washington’s cap-and-invest program, to join. This session will look at the impact of potential expansion on markets and the programs themselves.

Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It image
Jean-Yves Benoit
Director General, Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change, Québec
Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It image
Laura Watson
Director, Washington State Department of Ecology
Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It image
Jennifer McIsaac
VP of Market Analysis, ClearBlue Markets
Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It image
Harry Horner
Head of Strategy, cCarbon.info
Path 1: The Expansion of WCI and Developing Requirements for It image
Jon Costantino, Moderator
Principal, Tradesman Advisors Inc.
Path 2: Enhancing Integrity in Nature-Based Solutions image
Path 2: Enhancing Integrity in Nature-Based Solutions

Path 2: Policy
Location: Imperial A
 
Nature-based solutions (NBS) to address the climate crisis have been under vigorous assault in recent years, with claims of green washing, a lack of additionality, and concerns around permanence abounding. This session will examine the steps being taken to enhance integrity in the NBS arena, including consideration of dynamic baselines, higher quality forest management practices and innovative approaches to permanence.

Path 2: Enhancing Integrity in Nature-Based Solutions image
Laurie Wayburn, Moderator
Co-Founder and President, Pacific Forest Trust
Path 2: Enhancing Integrity in Nature-Based Solutions image
Christian Eggleton
Director, Forest Carbon Verification, TÜV SÜD America
Path 2: Enhancing Integrity in Nature-Based Solutions image
Ariel Hayward
Senior Program Manager, Carbon Removal, Microsoft
Eric Holst
Associate Vice President of Natural Climate Solutions, EDF
Path 3: The Reality of Carbon Projects: Carbon Revenue, Community Benefits, False Stories image
Path 3: The Reality of Carbon Projects: Carbon Revenue, Community Benefits, False Stories

Path 3: Implementation
Location: Imperial B
 
Supported by critics of carbon markets, a handful of media articles claimed to unveil the truth of forest carbon projects – how they take advantage of and cheat local communities and how they actually carry no environmental benefit. But what about ejidos and local communities that have used forest projects to improve their ancestral lands, boost their local economies and bring back sustainable practices? The truth is that forest projects remain a key element to fighting climate change and achieving net zero emissions. This session will explore how carbon finance is essential to keeping trees standing and growing and how local communities not only manage them but depend on them.

Jim Kharouf, Moderator
Communications Director, Incubex
Rosendo Perez
ICICO
Elise Allély-Fermé
Director of Conservation, Pronatura Mexico
Path 3: The Reality of Carbon Projects: Carbon Revenue, Community Benefits, False Stories image
Dani Warren
Corporate Administrator, Great Bear Carbon Credit Limited Partnership
Path 4: The Current Status and Future Promise of CCS and Carbon Removal image
Path 4: The Current Status and Future Promise of CCS and Carbon Removal

Path 4: Innovation and Scaling in Carbon Credits
Location: Franciscan
 
The IPCC has noted that net zero objectives cannot be achieved without viable options to remove carbon from the atmosphere, including Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC). This session will explore the current status of these technologies, the extent to which they have or are about to achieve market scale, and the barriers and opportunities posed by these technologies.

Path 4: The Current Status and Future Promise of CCS and Carbon Removal image
Takashi Hongo
Senior Fellow, Mitsui & Co. Global Strategic Studies Institute
Path 4: The Current Status and Future Promise of CCS and Carbon Removal image
Michael Dreibelbis
Counsel, Latham & Watkins
Path 4: The Current Status and Future Promise of CCS and Carbon Removal image
Virgil Welch, Moderator
Partner, Caliber Strategies
Path 4: The Current Status and Future Promise of CCS and Carbon Removal image
Nora Cohen Brown
Head of Market Development & Policy, Charm Industrial
14:30 - 15:00
Networking Break

Location: Grand A

15:00 - 16:00
Breakout Sessions
Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door? image
Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door?

Path 1: Markets and Finance
Location: Grand B
 
Tapping into the power and financial support of the private sector is necessary for the success of the voluntary carbon market (VCM) and, in turn, the achievement of global sustainability goals. But, are current regulations and guidance initiatives encouraging or discouraging financial investment in the VCM? In this session, private sector stakeholders will address this question and discuss the current and future levels of private sector participation.

Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door? image
Uti Agarwal, Moderator
Americas Carbon Originator, BP
Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door? image
Marisa Hamsik
General Manager of Strategy & Market Insights for Offsets & Emerging Technologies, Chevron New Energies
Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door? image
Rina Cerrato
Chief Commercial Officer, Green Star Royalties
Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door? image
Luke Oliver
Managing Director, Head of Climate Investments; Head of Strategy, KraneShares
Path 1: The Private Sector’s Role in Carbon Markets: Welcome Mat or Exit Door? image
Rob Lee
Chief Carbon Officer, Catona Climate
Path 2: Full Steam Ahead: California Legislative Action image
Path 2: Full Steam Ahead: California Legislative Action

Path 2: Policy
Location: Imperial A
 
A flurry of climate bills passed California’s state legislature in 2023, breaking new ground and setting higher standards for subnational and national climate policy. The bills included SB 253 (Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) and SB 261 (Greenhouse Gases: Climate-Related Financial Risk) covering corporate climate disclosure and AB 1305 (the Voluntary Carbon Market Disclosures Act), which addresses greenwashing and imposes disclosure requirements around the marketing, sale and use of offsets. Also passed by the legislature but vetoed by Governor Newsom was SB 390, which also addressed greenwashing and credit integrity. This session will discuss where implementation of these bills stands, key issues and challenges and how they relate to US federal and EU rules.

Path 2: Full Steam Ahead: California Legislative Action image
Steven Rothstein
Managing Director, Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets, Ceres
Path 2: Full Steam Ahead: California Legislative Action image
Sydney Chamberlin
Project Director for Climate & Nature-based Solutions, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Ross Zelen, Moderator
Chief Consultant, Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies, California State Senate
Nico van Aelstyn
Partner, Sheppard Mullin
Path 3: Current Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions – Supply Chain and Beyond image
Path 3: Current Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions – Supply Chain and Beyond

Path 3: Implementation
Location: Imperial B
 
Scope 3 GHG emissions are typically the largest sources of a company’s emissions. To tackle these emissions, carbon insetting has become a key strategy for companies interested in reducing the emissions associated with the goods and services they purchase. The option to go “beyond value chain mitigation” has been more restricted. This approach has sparked controversy in the VCM that mitigation actions may not be as cost-effective as the world needs at this critical juncture, nor does it address the most compelling needs of the Global South. This session will address current guidance on Scope 3 emissions, including from SBTi, VCMI and GHG Protocol’s Land Sector and Removals Guidance.

Path 3: Current Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions – Supply Chain and Beyond image
Robert Parkhurst, Moderator
Founder, Sierra View Solutions
Path 3: Current Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions – Supply Chain and Beyond image
John McDougal
Vice President of Portfolio Management, Anew
Path 3: Current Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions – Supply Chain and Beyond image
Karen Boyd
Industrial Carbon Services Lead, Truterra, LLC
Path 3: Current Guidance on Scope 3 Emissions – Supply Chain and Beyond image
Erik Stanek
Senior Sustainability Specialist, Blue Diamond Growers
Path 4: Registry Collaboration image
Path 4: Registry Collaboration

Path 4: Innovation and Scaling in Carbon Credits
Location: Franciscan
 
In December 2023, the world’s largest carbon registries signed an agreement to collectively increase the impact of their activities and support host countries in their work to achieve their NDCs outlined in the Paris Agreement, as well as foster innovation, promote knowledge exchange and facilitate the dissemination of best practices among participating countries. Some of the registries actually have collaborated together on an ad-hoc basis for years. What lies ahead for future, formal collaboration and what can the registries advance together?

Path 4: Registry Collaboration image
Sarah Leugers
Chief Growth Officer, Gold Standard
Path 4: Registry Collaboration image
Toby Janson-Smith
Chief Program Development and Innovation Officer, Verra
Path 4: Registry Collaboration image
Craig Ebert
President, Climate Action Reserve
Path 4: Registry Collaboration image
David Antonioli, Moderator
Strategic Advisor
Mary Grady
President and CEO, Environmental Resources Trust
16:05 - 16:20
Keynote Remarks – Gov. Jay Inslee, State of Washington

Location: Grand B

Keynote Remarks – Gov. Jay Inslee, State of Washington image
Gov. Jay Inslee
Governor, State of Washington
16:20 - 17:35
Plenary: The Role of Global Standards and Ensuring a High Integrity VCM

Location: Grand B

Plenary: The Role of Global Standards and Ensuring a High Integrity VCM image
Alexia Kelly, Moderator
Managing Director, Carbon Policy and Markets Initiative (CPMI), High Tide Foundation
Plenary: The Role of Global Standards and Ensuring a High Integrity VCM image
Annette Nazareth
Chair, Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market
Mark Kenber
Executive Director, VCMI
Chris Canavan
CEO, Global Carbon Market Utility
17:35 - 18:35
NACW Carbon Community Reception

Location: Grand A

08:00 - 16:00
Exhibit Hall

Location: Grand A

08:00 - 16:00
Registration

Location: Yosemite

08:00 - 09:00
Breakfast Discussions

Location: Yosemite

  1. The New SBTi Beyond Value Chain Mitigation Guidance and What It Means for Corporates
    • Led by Elizabeth Geller, 3Degrees
  2. Next Generation Forest Carbon
    • Led by Josh Strauss, Anew Climate
  3. Investment Opportunities & Challenges in Removals
    • Led by Erika Schiller, ClimeCo
  4. Unlocking Value: Buyer Perspectives in Evolving Carbon Markets
    • Led by Rachel Mooney & Jordan Mao, Climate Action Reserve
  5. Digital Assets: Pricing, Trading & Settlement, & New Financial Products and Services
    • Led by Benoît Clément, Verra
  6. Guardrails for the High Integrity Use of Carbon Credits to Achieve Net Zero Targets
    • Led by Amy Zell, IETA
  7. Technology to Ensure Quality of Nature-Based Solutions: Advancements in dMRV, Remote Sensing, and AI
    • Led by Daniel Melling, CTrees, Aadith Moorthy, Boomitra, & Jodi Manning, Cool Effect
09:00 - 09:05
Welcome

Location: Grand B

09:05 - 09:30
Keynote Remarks – Dr. Ram Ramanathan, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Location: Grand B

Keynote Remarks – Dr. Ram Ramanathan, Scripps Institution of Oceanography image
Veerabharan (Ram) Ramanathan
Distinguished professor (emeritus) of climate sustainability, Scripps Institution of Oceanography
09:30 - 10:30
Plenary: COP and Markets – Road through Baku and Beyond

Location: Grand B

Katie Sullivan, Moderator
Managing Director, IETA
Plenary: COP and Markets – Road through Baku and Beyond image
Lisa DeMarco
Senior Partner and CEO, Resilient LLP
Plenary: COP and Markets – Road through Baku and Beyond image
Mark Lewis
Co-PM, ACET Fund
10:30 - 11:00
Networking Break

Location: Grand A

11:00 - 12:00
Breakout Sessions
Path 1: Status and Development of LATAM Markets image
Path 1: Status and Development of LATAM Markets

Path 1: Markets and Finance
Location: Grand B
 

Latin America is the world’s second largest provider of voluntary credits, representing around 20 percent of market supply. The region will play a critical role in Article 6 action and has various emerging compliance markets at all scales, including carbon taxes, national and subnational ETS, and various approaches converging and blending compliance and voluntary markets. Hear from government officials and market actors across LATAM on the advances of carbon markets in the region and their role in meeting global climate objectives.

Path 1: Status and Development of LATAM Markets image
Jose Luis Rivera
General Director, CO2CERO SAS
Path 1: Status and Development of LATAM Markets image
Ana Carolina Moreno Villarreal
Climate Change Analyst, Ministry of Environment of Panama
Path 1: Status and Development of LATAM Markets image
Pablo Gabutti
Secretary of Energy Transition, Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Services, Córdoba
Path 1: Status and Development of LATAM Markets image
Nathalie Flores, Moderator
Vice-Chair, UN Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice
Camilo Trujillo
LAC Lead and Digital Markets, IETA
Path 2: Updates on North American LCFS Programs image
Path 2: Updates on North American LCFS Programs

Path 2: Policy
Location: Imperial A
 
The potential for growth of clean fuel standard programs across North America remains strong. Active programs include the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Canada Clean Fuel Standard, Oregon Clean Fuels Program, Washington Clean Fuel Standard and British Columbia Low Carbon Fuel Standard. New York, Minnesota and New Mexico all have clean fuel standard bills being considered. This session will review the status of LCFS programs, discuss forward movement of programs under consideration and cover market impacts.

Path 2: Updates on North American LCFS Programs image
Matthew Botill
Division Chief, California Air Resources Board
Path 2: Updates on North American LCFS Programs image
Richard W. Corey, Moderator
Partner, AJW, Inc
Sam Wade
Director of Public Policy, RNG Coalition
Joel Creswell
Climate Pollution Reduction Program Manager, Washington State Department of Ecology
Path 3: Credit Ratings – Help or Hinderance image
Path 3: Credit Ratings – Help or Hinderance

Path 3: Implementation
Location: Imperial B
 
Once criticized for not having any consistent guidance, the voluntary carbon market is now gaining guidance at the programmatic level, protocol level and project level. The ratings and standards organizations – both for-profit and nonprofit – are striving to enhance transparency and mitigate risk, but are they also creating confusion and hindering progress with conflicting ratings for the same projects and programs?

Path 3: Credit Ratings – Help or Hinderance image
Donna Lee
Co-Founder, Calyx
Path 3: Credit Ratings – Help or Hinderance image
Spencer Meyer
VP of Ratings, BeZero Carbon
Path 3: Credit Ratings – Help or Hinderance image
Max DuBuisson, Moderator
Head of Sustainability Policy & Engagement, Indigo Ag
Path 3: Credit Ratings – Help or Hinderance image
Annalise Downey
Senior Manager, Technical Climate Consulting, Sylvera
Path 4: SDGs at the Project Level image
Path 4: SDGs at the Project Level

Path 4: Innovation and Scaling in Carbon Credits
Location: Franciscan
 
In addition to addressing climate impacts, carbon projects are increasingly focusing on how they can also address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This session will discuss how carbon projects can address these concerns, the challenges involved in properly accounting for them, and other impediments to quantifying and monetizing SDGs at the project level.

Path 4: SDGs at the Project Level image
Aimee Barnes, Moderator
Founder and CEO, Hua Nani Partners
Path 4: SDGs at the Project Level image
Teresa Tattersfield
Co-founder, Bret Consultores
Path 4: SDGs at the Project Level image
Sarah Leugers
Chief Growth Officer, Gold Standard
12:00 - 13:30
Lunch & Exhibit Hall

Lunch: Yosemite
Exhibit Hall: Grand A

13:30 - 14:30
Breakout Sessions
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part I: Bringing High Integrity Credits to Market image
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part I: Bringing High Integrity Credits to Market

Path 1: Markets and Finance
Location: Grand B

The voluntary carbon market provides a critical avenue for corporations striving towards ambitious net zero goals. This session is part one of a two-part series and will focus on the supply side of the equation. Panelists will discuss the current levels of integrity in VCM credits and how corporations and others can identify high integrity credits, including use of the developing guidance from ICVCM.

Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part I: Bringing High Integrity Credits to Market image
Pedro Barata
AVP, Carbon Markets & Private Sector Decarbonization for the Global Climate Cooperation, EDF
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part I: Bringing High Integrity Credits to Market image
Derek Six
Chief Operations Officer, ClimeCo
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part I: Bringing High Integrity Credits to Market image
Benoît Clément
Director of Financial Innovation, Verra
Amy Zell, Moderator
Technical Director, Voluntary Carbon Markets, IETA
Path 2: COP28: Accomplishments, Failures and the Path Forward image
Path 2: COP28: Accomplishments, Failures and the Path Forward

Path 2: Policy
Location: Imperial A
 
Even though it had been eight years since the Paris Agreement was made, COP28 failed to create a centralized system for global carbon trading, but it did achieve what was hailed as “historic progress” with a deal to transition away from fossil fuels. This session will do a review of Article 6 activity, discuss how VCM stakeholders are moving ahead in the continued absence of a centralized system and look ahead to COP29.

Path 2: COP28: Accomplishments, Failures and the Path Forward image
Nathalie Flores
Vice-Chair, UN Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice
Path 2: COP28: Accomplishments, Failures and the Path Forward image
Leslie Durschinger, Moderator
Founder, CEO, CIO, Terra Global Capital
Path 2: COP28: Accomplishments, Failures and the Path Forward image
Lisa DeMarco
Senior Partner and CEO, Resilient LLP
Path 2: COP28: Accomplishments, Failures and the Path Forward image
Kim Myers
Senior Associate, Carbon Markets Policy, The Nature Conservancy
Path 3: Local Communities, Local Engagement and Indigenous Voices image
Path 3: Local Communities, Local Engagement and Indigenous Voices

Path 3: Implementation
Location: Imperial B

One criticism leveled at many carbon policies, including carbon projects, is the failure to adequately consider the impact on local communities and how best to assure that these local voices are heard during policy development and implementation. This session will address these concerns and discuss the various options available to ensure that local communities, including indigenous voices, are heard and their concerns addressed.

Path 3: Local Communities, Local Engagement and Indigenous Voices image
Dee Lawrence
Co-Founder and Director of Carbon Projects, Cool Effect
Path 3: Local Communities, Local Engagement and Indigenous Voices image
Jack Blackwell
Vice President of Lands & Resources, Chugach Alaska Corporation
Path 3: Local Communities, Local Engagement and Indigenous Voices image
John Nickerson, Moderator
Registered Professional Forester and Owner, Dogwood Springs Forestry
Rosendo Perez
ICICO
Path 4: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Integrity and Scaling the Market image
Path 4: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Integrity and Scaling the Market

Path 4: Innovation and Scaling in Carbon Credits
Location: Franciscan
 
Technology advancements, including remote sensing and big data processing, are opening new possibilities for accurate measurement and tracking of carbon stocks and land use activity. They also can open the doors for the development of more projects, which will add more high integrity credits to the market. In this session, experts will discuss challenges and opportunities for integrating these technology solutions into projects.

Path 4: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Integrity and Scaling the Market image
Sassan Saatchi
Co-founder and CEO, CTrees
Path 4: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Integrity and Scaling the Market image
Ashley Conrad-Saydah, Moderator
Chief of Policy and Community Affairs, Vibrant Planet
Path 4: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Integrity and Scaling the Market image
Adam Moreno
Nature-Based Strategies Section Manager, California Air Resources Board
Path 4: The Role of Technology in Enhancing Integrity and Scaling the Market image
Chris Tolles
CEO and Co-Founder, Yard Stick PBC
14:30 - 15:00
Networking Break

Location: Grand A

15:00 - 16:00
Breakout Sessions
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part II: How Companies Should Be Investing in Net Zero image
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part II: How Companies Should Be Investing in Net Zero

Path 1: Markets and Finance
Location: Grand B
 
The second discussion in a two-session series on the role of the VCM in meeting net zero targets will focus on the demand side of the equation. While ICVCM is developing guidance for high integrity in the global supply of credits, other entities like VCMI and SBTi have been working to provide guidance on the demand side. In this session, panelists will discuss the status of demand-side guidance, what it means for the VCM and if it meets stakeholders’ needs.

Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part II: How Companies Should Be Investing in Net Zero image
Henrique Luz
Manager – Markets and Standards, VCMI
Path 1: Role of the VCM for Meeting Net Zero Targets – Part II: How Companies Should Be Investing in Net Zero image
Steph Harris
Senior Program Manager, Carbon Removal, Microsoft
Melissa Gallant, Moderator
Senior Advisor, Climate, TNC
Path 2: Addressing Competitiveness Impacts in Carbon Pricing image
Path 2: Addressing Competitiveness Impacts in Carbon Pricing

Path 2: Policy
Location: Imperial A
 
As national and international policies to address the climate crisis expand, one key concern among many countries is how to assure the competitiveness of their domestic economies as they compete with other economies taking less action. This session will explore the fundamentals underpinning these concerns, the types of policies being considered and/or implemented (such as cross-border adjustments), and the reaction of countries that feel unfairly targeted by such policies and their responses.

Path 2: Addressing Competitiveness Impacts in Carbon Pricing image
Michael Berends
CEO and Co-Founder, ClearBlue Markets
Katelyn Roedner Sutter, Moderator
California State Director, EDF
Path 2: Addressing Competitiveness Impacts in Carbon Pricing image
Emily Wimberger
Managing Partner, Huanani
Path 3: State of the Art for Avoiding Double Counting and Double Issuance image
Path 3: State of the Art for Avoiding Double Counting and Double Issuance

Path 3: Implementation
Location: Imperial B
 
A critical concern about the use of carbon credits revolves around the fear that credits may be double counted and/or double issued. Avoiding these outcomes is an important objective for stimulating confidence in voluntary markets. In this session experts will weigh in on the steps being taken to avoid these problems, including efforts around integrated data warehousing, such as the Climate Action Date Trust and other technology efforts, to enhance security and confidence in carbon credits.

Path 3: State of the Art for Avoiding Double Counting and Double Issuance image
Kristen Gorguinpour
Vice President of Programs, Climate Action Reserve
Path 3: State of the Art for Avoiding Double Counting and Double Issuance image
Jeff Berman
Senior Director for Registries, Xpansiv
Path 3: State of the Art for Avoiding Double Counting and Double Issuance image
Joanne C. Hochheiser, Moderator
Executive Director, Product Manager – Environmental Solutions, Commodity Insights, S&P Global
Path 4: Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions image
Path 4: Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions

Path 4: Innovation and Scaling in Carbon Credits
Location: Franciscan
 
For a wide variety of reasons, buyers are keenly interested in nature-based solutions (NBS) for helping to achieve their net zero goals. Perhaps the most fundamental challenge to NBS projects is the inherent uncertainties when dealing with ever-changing natural conditions, i.e., Mother Nature is always throwing us curve balls. This session will examine how best to manage risk with NBS projects, including concerns over additionality and non-permanence.

Path 4: Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions image
Bronson Griscom
Vice President, Natural Climate Solutions, Conservation International
Path 4: Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions image
Christina McCain
Founder & Principal, Ecosophy, LLC
Path 4: Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions image
Lisa Gonzales-Kramer, Moderator
Senior Director, Forest Carbon Development, Mast Reforestation
Path 4: Managing Risk in Nature-Based Solutions image
Kyler Sherry
Chief Operations Officer, The Climate Trust
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