The voluntary carbon market (VCM) has taken a major step forward. The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has approved six new carbon removal methodologies under its Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). These methods come from two programs: Isometric and Gold Standard. Both are known for meeting the council’s strict requirements.

This approval signals a shift toward stronger credibility in carbon removal credits. For years, the voluntary carbon market faced doubts about quality, transparency, and permanence.

Many companies hesitated to use credits due to fears of overstated benefits. The ICVCM names specific methods that meet high integrity standards. This helps businesses, investors, and governments have a clearer framework to trust. In the words of Annette Nazareth, ICVCM Chair:

“We are pleased to announce these new approvals for methodologies in a variety of emissions reductions and removals categories. The science is clear that both reductions and removals are critical to effective climate action. These latest approvals will open up new options for integrity-focused buyers to broaden their portfolios of carbon credits across a range of high-impact categories.”

The New Approved Standards

The six approved carbon removal methodologies include the following:

• Gold Standard — Carbon Sequestration Through Accelerated Carbonation of Concrete Aggregate (v1.0)
• Isometric — Biomass Geological Storage (v1.0–v1.1)
• Isometric — Bio-oil Geological Storage (v1.0–v1.1)
• Isometric — Subsurface Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (v1.0)
• Isometric — Biogenic Carbon Capture and Storage (v1.1)
• Isometric — Direct Air Capture (v1.1)

In addition, the ICVCM confirmed two nature-based methodologies under other programs: CAR Mexico Forest Protocol v3 for improved forest management and VM0047 v1.1 for afforestation and reforestation.

These approvals matter because they are linked to very specific versions of methodologies. Not all projects under Isometric or Gold Standard automatically qualify. Only those that follow these approved versions can carry the CCP label.

From Doubts to Trust: Raising the Bar on Carbon Credits

So far, projects under these new removal methods have issued around 30,000 credits. While this number is small, the pipeline is much larger. ICVCM data show that:

• 24 projects under the Isometric methods are expected to issue over 3.2 million credits annually in the coming years.
• 15 projects under the Gold Standard method could issue over 9,000 credits annually.

In forestry, the CAR Mexico Forest Protocol v3 already has more than 8.1 million credits issued. However, not all will automatically qualify under the CCP label because of new permanence and leakage rules. For example, the protocol now requires a 40-year permanence commitment and allows leakage rates of up to 40%.

This level of detail adds clarity and accountability. It helps ensure that CCP-approved credits represent real, measurable, and durable climate outcomes.

From Billions to Trillions: The Future of Carbon Removal

The carbon removal market is still small compared to the scale of global emissions. Today, VCMs are valued at about $2 billion annually. Forecasts suggest they could reach up to $100 billion by 2030. Carbon removal will be central to that growth.

Currently, removals make up less than 1% of all credits sold. Most credits still come from avoided emissions, such as preventing deforestation. But future sales are shifting toward removals.

Buyers are showing stronger interest in forward contracts for engineered removals, like direct air capture, bio-oil storage, and biomass geological storage.

Analysts project that DAC capacity could reach 60–100 million tons per year by 2035, up from near zero today. Meanwhile, biochar, enhanced weathering, and subsurface storage are also scaling. These new CCP approvals provide the quality assurance needed to attract investment at this level.

Carbon market growth rates are projected at 25–30% annually through the next decade. By 2050, the sector could generate more than $1 trillion annually, reflecting the scale of removals needed to reach climate goals.

• BloombergNEF projects that carbon credit supply will expand 20- to 35-fold by 2050, with engineered removals gaining share. Current supply sits near 243 million tons in 2024, rising to 2.6 billion tons by 2030 and 4.8 billion by 2050.

DAC is forecasted to deliver about 21% of credits by 2050. Prices for credits may increase to $60 per ton by 2030 and $104 by 2050, reflecting greater demand and higher quality standards.

• SEE MORE: Carbon Credits Supply to Skyrocket 35x by 2050 – But at What Price?

Four Forces Powering the Carbon Removal Boom

Several forces are pushing removals into the mainstream.

• Corporate Net-Zero Goals – More than 5,000 companies worldwide have pledged to reach net zero. Many will rely on removals to balance emissions they cannot fully cut.
• Government Policy – U.S. and European policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the EU Green Deal, provide tax credits and funding for carbon capture.
• Investor Confidence – Clear CCP standards make investors more willing to finance high-quality projects.
• Technology Scaling – Costs for engineered removals like DAC and bio-oil storage are expected to fall as projects scale up.

These trends show why carbon removal is becoming not just a side option but a pillar of climate strategy.

• RELEVANT: What is Carbon Capture and Storage? Your Ultimate Guide to CCS Technology

The Price of Permanence: Barriers Still Loom

Even with new approvals, challenges remain. Engineered removals are expensive. Current costs for direct air capture range from $300 to $600 per ton. Experts say this needs to fall below $100 per ton for widespread adoption.

Nature-based removals, while cheaper, raise other questions. Land use, biodiversity impacts, and long-term monitoring must be managed carefully. For example, requiring 40-year permanence adds credibility but also creates financial and operational hurdles for project developers.

The Integrity Council will need to enforce ongoing monitoring, verification, and auditing. Without strong oversight, credibility could erode again.

Why This Matters for Business and Capital

For companies, the approval of Isometric and Gold Standard removals offers more reliable ways to meet net-zero targets. Purchasing CCP-approved carbon credits reduces reputational risks and demonstrates a commitment to real climate action.

For investors, these standards provide a clearer signal about which projects are worth funding. Capital can flow toward technologies and practices that deliver measurable and permanent removals.

Carbon Markets 2030 and Beyond

The ICVCM decision is a foundation for growth. By 2030, analysts expect carbon removal to represent a much larger share of the voluntary market.

Government integration will be another milestone. Both the UK and EU are exploring whether to allow carbon removals in their compliance systems within the next five years. If CCP-approved removals are included, demand could rise sharply.

The Integrity Council’s approval of six new methodologies from Isometric and Gold Standard represents a turning point for carbon markets. These decisions provide greater transparency, stronger safeguards, and a clearer path for scaling carbon removal.

While challenges remain in cost, permanence, and oversight, the foundation for trust is stronger than before. With new standards in place, the carbon removal market can grow from thousands to millions—and eventually billions—of tons of CO₂ removed. This shift is critical to balancing global emissions and moving closer to a net-zero future.

• READ FURTHER: Carbon Credits Surge: $16B Fuels 2024’s Race for High-Quality Offsets

The post Carbon Credit Market Gains Integrity With ICVCM’s Approval of 6 New Removal Standards appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Lithium has become one of the most critical resources for the global energy transition. As demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage grows, countries are racing to secure stable supplies of this lightweight metal.

In the United States, the Department of Energy (DOE) has just announced a new era for lithium production. At the same time, investor interest in lithium has surged, reflected by the strong monthly close of the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). These changes show that the lithium market is reaching an important stage. This stage is shaped by policy, technology, and financial momentum.

U.S. DOE Takes a Stake in Lithium Americas

The DOE recently confirmed it will take equity stakes in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass mine in Nevada. This move marks the first time the U.S. government has directly invested in a lithium project rather than providing loans or guarantees.

Thacker Pass is one of the biggest lithium deposits in North America. It could greatly decrease U.S. dependence on foreign sources.

Becoming a shareholder sends a clear message: lithium production is vital for both business and national security. China controls over 60% of global lithium refining. So, the U.S. wants to boost its own supply chains.

The government aims to support projects that ensure long-term stability. The government’s role lowers risk for private investors. This could lead to more funding and partnerships.

• SEE MORE: Lithium Americas (LAC) Stock Jumps 95% as Trump Seeks Government Equity in Nation’s Largest Lithium Mine

Thacker Pass: America’s White Gold Standard

Thacker Pass, located in northern Nevada, is set to produce lithium carbonate. This will provide enough for batteries in up to one million EVs each year when fully operational. Construction is underway, and production is expected later this decade. The mine could make the U.S. one of the top four global producers, alongside Chile and Australia.

Thacker Pass has not been without controversy, facing environmental opposition and legal challenges. However, federal and state support has kept the project moving forward. If successful, it could reshape the balance of supply in the Western Hemisphere and reduce reliance on imports from Asia.

A Global Tug-of-War for Lithium Supply

While the U.S. builds its domestic base, other regions are also reconfiguring supply chains.

• Chile and Argentina hold about 60% of the world’s lithium reserves. They are rethinking their royalty rules and partnerships to bring in more foreign investment.
• Australia, currently the largest producer, continues to expand mining output but faces bottlenecks in refining. Much of its raw spodumene is shipped to China for processing.
• China, a leader in refining and cathode production, is boosting investments in Africa and South America. This helps it maintain its top position.

This global tug-of-war reflects a broader reality: lithium is not only an industrial commodity but also a strategic resource. Countries are ensuring access by using different methods. They invest directly, make long-term supply agreements, and innovate with technology.

EVs and Energy Storage: The Demand Engine

Lithium demand will likely surge in the next ten years. This rise is due to more people using EVs and increasing grid-scale energy storage. BloombergNEF forecasts lithium-ion battery demand reaching multiple terawatt-hours annually by 2035. EVs will likely make up over 70% of this total.

In the U.S., new federal incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act are pushing automakers to source more domestically produced materials. Ford, General Motors, and Tesla have all made deals for lithium. They expect the market to get tighter.

Meanwhile, utilities are using large battery storage systems. These help balance renewable energy from sources like wind and solar. This shift is increasing demand even more.

New Frontiers: Direct Extraction and Recycling

Meeting future demand will not only depend on mining new deposits but also on deploying new technologies. Direct lithium extraction (DLE) methods can boost recovery rates. They also lower environmental impact compared to old evaporation ponds. Companies in the U.S. and South America are piloting these systems, and if successful, DLE could accelerate supply growth.

Recycling also represents a growing opportunity. As the first wave of EV batteries reaches the end of life, recycling firms are stepping in to recover valuable metals. This secondary supply could become increasingly important in balancing markets and reducing dependence on mining.

Price Trends and Market Volatility

Lithium prices have seen dramatic swings in recent years. After hitting record highs in 2022, prices corrected in 2023 and 2024 as supply temporarily outpaced demand.

However, analysts warn that volatility is likely to persist. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence says lithium carbonate prices steadied in 2025. However, rising demand from EV makers could trigger another price surge in the late 2020s.

This volatility underscores the challenges for both producers and investors. Companies should balance long-term supply contracts with the risk of falling prices. Investors need to consider cyclical downturns alongside the bigger growth picture.

• RELEVANT: Lithium Prices Jump as CATL Shuts Major Jianxiawo Mine in China

LIT ETF’s Rally Sparks Renewed Optimism

One sign of renewed optimism in the sector is the recent performance of the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT). The ETF, which tracks a broad portfolio of lithium miners, battery producers, and EV companies, just posted its strongest monthly close in over a year, as seen in the Katusa Research chart below.

This performance reflects investor belief that the worst of the price downturn may be over and that long-term fundamentals remain intact. Stronger government backing, such as the DOE’s investment, adds further support to the outlook.

For many investors, ETFs like LIT offer diversified exposure to a sector known for both opportunity and volatility.

Investment Playbook: Choosing Exposure Wisely

For investors, the lithium sector presents both risks and rewards. On one hand, rising demand for EVs and energy storage supports a strong long-term growth story. On the other hand, price volatility, environmental concerns, and geopolitical risks remain significant.

Investors generally face three approaches:

• Major producers like Albemarle, SQM, and Ganfeng provide scale and stability.
• Emerging juniors, such as Lithium Americas, offer high growth potential but higher risks.
• ETFs like LIT provide diversified exposure, spreading risk across multiple companies and regions.

Each option carries different risk-reward profiles, making diversification a key strategy.

A Defining Decade for Lithium

The lithium industry is entering a transformative period. The DOE’s investment in Thacker Pass shows how vital it is to secure supply chains. Moreover, the strong close of the LIT ETF reflects rising investor confidence in this sector’s future. Globally, shifts in supply, demand, and technology are reshaping the landscape.

As EV adoption accelerates and renewable energy expands, lithium will remain a cornerstone of the energy transition. For governments, it is a matter of security and independence. For companies, it is a race to innovate and scale. And for investors, it represents both opportunity and volatility.

The next decade will likely define how lithium shapes the clean energy future, making today’s developments critical signals of what lies ahead.

• FURTHER READING: U.S. Lithium Push: How Washington’s Bet on Lithium Americas Could Reshape the Global Market

The post Lithium’s Turning Point: DOE Investment in LAC’s Thacker Pass and the LIT ETF Rally appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) is once again in the spotlight as its stock edges closer to record highs. The company is gaining momentum thanks to strong demand in the U.S. and a new partnership with Boeing Defense, Space & Security.

Palantir’s data analytics and AI platforms are becoming more important. They impact both government and commercial markets. At the same time, investors remain focused on whether the AI company can balance growth with its high valuation.

From Data to Defense: Palantir’s Boeing Breakthrough

The company’s latest deal with Boeing is a key reason behind its recent stock rally. Boeing will integrate Palantir’s Foundry platform across its defense and space operations. Foundry will help Boeing manage data better, optimize supply chains, and make smarter decisions in its manufacturing facilities.

Steve Parker, president and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, noted:

“The game-changing capabilities this provides us … is it allows us to make decisions not in weeks, but in days and hours…This is really the AI synthesizing data, allowing us to make decisions.”

For Boeing, the partnership offers tools. These tools help cut costs from supply chain delays and production issues. For Palantir, it strengthens credibility with one of the largest aerospace and defense contractors in the world. This collaboration also shows how Palantir’s technology can move beyond government contracts into major commercial and industrial operations.

Palantir has been steadily growing its commercial business. Today, over 40% of its revenue comes from commercial clients. This is a shift from earlier years, when it focused almost entirely on government work. The Boeing partnership is expected to help drive more adoption of Palantir’s AI solutions across industries.

U.S. Market Momentum: Earnings on the Rise

Palantir’s financial performance in 2025 has been marked by rapid expansion in the U.S. market. In its most recent quarter, the company reported revenue of $884 million, beating analyst expectations.

U.S. commercial revenue grew 71% year over year, while U.S. government contracts rose 45%. These results show that Palantir is successfully expanding its reach in both defense and commercial sectors.

However, the picture is not equally strong across all regions. Palantir’s European commercial revenue fell by about 5%, suggesting weaker demand outside the U.S.

Even so, the company raised its full-year revenue forecast to nearly $3.9 billion, reflecting confidence in continued growth.

Investors have taken note of this momentum. Palantir shares have recovered from their late summer pullback, gaining nearly 18% and trading close to previous highs at $185. Analysts have set price targets that suggest further upside if the company can keep delivering growth.

AI in the Sky: Why Boeing Chose Palantir

The Boeing agreement shows how Palantir is placing itself at the heart of digital change in defense and aerospace. Boeing will use Palantir’s software to integrate data across its factories and programs. This could help the company predict supply chain issues, make decisions faster, and boost the readiness of its defense systems.

For Palantir, the partnership shows that its platforms can be applied to large-scale industrial problems. It may also open doors to further contracts with aerospace and defense companies worldwide. As more companies use AI-driven analytics, Palantir can grow in industries that need efficiency and security.

Mike Gallagher, Palantir’s head of defense, remarked on this partnership, saying:

“type of partnership that I think has the possibility to unlock transformation within the defense industrial base and enhance deterrence in the near term, not in a matter of distant decades.”

The deal also adds to Palantir’s credibility with investors. Palantir’s tech works well beyond government and niche markets. Their partnerships with big companies show this clearly. Instead, it is proving useful in some of the most complex and regulated industries.

Riding the Wave of Explosive Growth in AI and Data Analytics

The global data analytics software market is growing fast. In 2024, it was worth about $69 billion, and it’s expected to climb to $302 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~28%.

Meanwhile, the enterprise AI market could expand from around $97 billion in 2025 to $229.3 billion by 2030, growing at ~18.9 % per year.

These trends show strong demand for tools like Palantir’s platforms. As more companies adopt AI and analytics, Palantir may benefit from this rising tide of investment and interest.

Behind these financial and market momentum, the AI company is also paying attention to its sustainability commitments.

ESG and Emission Reduction: Palantir’s Net Zero Pathway

Palantir has committed to reaching net zero emissions across all scopes under its 2021 Climate Pledge. The company is working to cut emissions where possible and balance the rest with high-quality carbon offsets. This shows an effort to address both immediate impacts and long-term climate goals.

In 2019, Palantir set a baseline for its greenhouse gas emissions. By 2024, total emissions had risen slightly to about 23,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, a reduction of about 31% compared to the 2019 baseline. This increase of 1.7% from 2023 was due to a gradual return to business travel and operational activities. But overall emissions per employee have dropped 57% since 2019.

The company also achieved carbon neutrality for its UK operations in 2023, covering remaining emissions through offsets.

• SEE MORE: Palantir (PLTR Stock): AI for Carbon Neutrality – A Software Giant’s Sustainable Footprint in 2025

To support this progress, Palantir is taking these actions:

• Invests in better measurement and reporting. This improves how the company tracks emissions from business travel, cloud computing, and employee commuting.

• It uses energy-efficient data centers and optimizes software workloads to reduce cloud computing emissions. 

• For emissions it can’t fully cut, it buys verified offsets and uses sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for travel. 

Overall, Palantir’s ESG strategy shows steady progress. While the reductions are gradual, the company is building systems to manage its footprint while aligning with broader net-zero goals. 

Flying High or Overvalued? What’s Next for PLTR

Palantir’s path depends on its success in moving from government contracts to commercial industries. The Boeing partnership shows progress on this front, while strong U.S. demand continues to fuel revenue growth.

At the same time, investors remain aware of risks tied to valuation and uneven international performance. The company’s challenge will be to prove that it can replicate U.S. growth in other markets and continue delivering large-scale contracts.

If Palantir succeeds, it could strengthen its status as a top AI-driven software company. This would boost its influence in both public and private sectors. The coming quarters will reveal whether the Boeing deal and other partnerships translate into long-term performance.

As the company looks ahead, success will depend on expanding its global presence, managing valuation concerns, and delivering measurable results from its partnerships. For now, Palantir remains a key player to watch in the evolving world of AI and data analytics.

• READ MORE: Palantir (PLTR) Stock Hits New Record with $100M Nuclear and AI Platform Deal

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