National carbon registries and compliance systems are reshaping global climate markets, according to World Bank data and recent government policy updates. Governments are rapidly moving beyond baseline climate plans to build operational infrastructure that issues, tracks, and trades carbon credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
Zambia Launches Article 6 Carbon Registry Infrastructure
Zambia launched an operational national carbon registry on August 7 for projects tied to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, according to the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). The system also supports voluntary carbon market projects. Administered by ZEMA, the registry functions as part of the country’s broader measurement, reporting, and verification architecture mandated by 2026 regulations. The system tracks carbon units from initial project registration through issuance, transfer, and cancellation.
The Southern African nation established its legal foundation via the Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024, bringing Paris Agreement provisions into domestic law. Dr. Douty Chibamba, Permanent Secretary of the Zambian Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, stated during the launch that the fully online registry demonstrates accountability and transparency, ensuring all activities conform to national law and public review. Zambia also formalized international ties by signing an Article 6 cooperation agreement with Switzerland at COP30 and finalizing a renewable power credit framework with Norway.
Did you know? Zambia’s Green Economy and Climate Change Act No. 18 of 2024 regulates both Article 6 compliance activities and voluntary carbon projects, including rules for corresponding adjustments and existing project transitions.
Brazil Prepares Emissions Trading System and Article 6 Rules
Brazil is constructing the Brazilian System for Emissions Trading (SBCE) following the passage of Law 15.042/2024, which establishes a national cap-and-trade market with mandatory reporting and a central registry. A Brazilian official announced that the country plans to approve its first carbon credit methodologies under the future emissions trading system by the end of 2026. These methodologies dictate emission measurement rules and determine eligible carbon units.
Concurrently, the Brazilian government opened a public consultation in July on a draft resolution governing Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2. The proposal links ITMO approvals directly to the SBCE. The framework targets a reduction of 100 million tonnes of CO2e between 2031 and 2035, with up to 50 million tonnes eligible for international transfer. Brazil is also exploring an Article 6.2 memorandum of understanding with China to facilitate bilateral ITMO exchanges.
Ecuador’s National Assembly Approves Carbon Market Reforms
Ecuador’s National Assembly approved legislative reforms to establish a legal basis for carbon markets, overcoming a prior legislative hurdle after President Daniel Noboa vetoed similar measures in 2024. The legislation awaits presidential signature. The National Assembly confirmed the reforms separate regulated markets, voluntary markets, and non-market approaches while establishing a National Climate Change Registry to track projects and transactions.
The revised legal framework incorporates safeguards designed to protect Indigenous and local communities, enforce fair benefit-sharing, and prevent double counting of emission reductions. These provisions aim to provide legal certainty for international climate finance participation while maintaining strict government oversight.
Global Carbon Pricing Expansion and Market Quality
These national rollouts coincide with broad global expansion in carbon pricing. The World Bank’s State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2026 report revealed that 87 carbon pricing policies operate worldwide, covering over 29% of global greenhouse gas emissions and generating more than $107 billion in public revenue in 2025. Meanwhile, global carbon credit issuance rose 8% between 2024 and 2025.
Despite increased issuance, overall carbon prices fell slightly, though higher-quality credits tied to international aviation and forest conservation and reforestation projects retained price premiums. This dynamic increases demand for robust national infrastructure. Because Article 6.2 requires corresponding adjustments to prevent double-counting when mitigation outcomes are transferred internationally, transparent national tracking systems have become vital for compliance.
Pro Tip: Project developers operating in emerging carbon markets should align their measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) protocols with emerging national registries like Zambia’s ZEMA platform to streamline corresponding adjustments under Article 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Article 6 carbon registry?
A national carbon registry is a secure digital system used by governments to issue, track, transfer, and cancel carbon credits and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) in compliance with the Paris Agreement.
How does Brazil’s Emissions Trading System (SBCE) work?
Established under Law 15.042/2024, the SBCE creates a national cap-and-trade market featuring mandatory emissions monitoring, reporting rules for large emitters, and a centralized registry linked to international Article 6 transfers.
What role does the World Bank play in carbon pricing?
The World Bank tracks global carbon pricing initiatives, market revenues, and issuance trends through publications such as its State and Trends of Carbon Pricing report, providing benchmark data for governments and market participants.
Why are corresponding adjustments important for carbon credits?
Corresponding adjustments prevent double-counting by requiring a host country to subtract an exported emission reduction from its own national greenhouse gas inventory when another country claims that credit toward its climate targets.
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