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.

* Disseminated on behalf of ARMR Sciences Inc.
* For Accredited Investors Only. Offered pursuant to Rule 506(c). Reasonable steps to verify accreditation will be taken before any sale.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT – SPONSORED CONTENT

Fentanyl is not just a public health crisis – it has become a defining political issue in the United States. The synthetic opioid is now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18–45, killing an estimated 220 people every day. 

As the toll rises, many political leaders, border agencies, and private innovators are converging on one message: fentanyl control is a matter of national security.

A Political Priority

President Donald Trump has made fentanyl control a centerpiece of his drug policy priorities. These priorities include attacking production and distribution networks, using both punitive (law enforcement) and economic tools. Trump has vowed that his “highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens,” promising to intensify measures against cartels and traffickers responsible for smuggling synthetic opioids across the southern border.

The bipartisan urgency is clear. Lawmakers across party lines now view fentanyl not only as a public health emergency but also as a national security threat on par with terrorism and cyberwarfare. This framing should open the door to expanded federal funding, new enforcement powers, and increased support for innovative countermeasures, such as immunotherapies.

Borders Under Pressure

Most illicit fentanyl in the U.S. is manufactured abroad, often in China, and trafficked through Mexico, where it enters across official and unofficial border crossings. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported record seizures in recent years. 

Canada, too, has experienced rising seizures and overdose deaths, underlining that this is not a U.S.-only crisis but a North American challenge.

Deployments of additional detection technology, canine units, and chemical sensors are underway at key border points. Yet border agents acknowledge they are overwhelmed: with traffickers mixing fentanyl into counterfeit pills or powder, even small gaps in enforcement can lead to mass fatalities.

ARMR’s Role in a Political Landscape

The fentanyl crisis is a political flashpoint that blends public health, security, and foreign policy. Border enforcement will remain essential, but no interdiction strategy can stop every shipment. 

We believe that this climate creates fertile ground for ARMR Sciences’ preventive approach. Unlike Narcan, which only works after an overdose has begun, ARMR-100 (ARMR’s lead candidate) is designed to block fentanyl before it reaches the brain. For policymakers, this aligns with national security goals: a proactive solution that reduces the burden on border interdiction and first responders. 

Why Investors Should Pay Attention

For investors, we believe that ARMR represents an opportunity to participate in a mission that is as much about impact as it is about returns. The company is working to translate 7 years of Department of Defense–backed science into a scalable biodefense platform:

• Lead candidate ARMR-100 blocked 92% of fentanyl from entering the brain in preclinical studies
• $30M private raise launched
• A targeted exchange listing in the future
• Direct alignment with political momentum on anti-fentanyl measures

With strong bipartisan focus and rising border enforcement pressure, companies like ARMR offering real solutions should be positioned to benefit from both government backing and investor interest. 

By investing in this round, investors have a chance to back ARMR as it works to build a preventive shield against synthetic drug threats. 

Invest now to help support ARMR’s efforts to build the nation’s first line of defense against fentanyl and other synthetic threats.

* For Accredited Investors Only. This offering is made pursuant to Rule 506(c) of Regulation D. All purchasers must be accredited investors, and the issuer will take reasonable steps to verify accredited status before any sale. Investing involves high risk, including the potential loss of your entire investment.

* This is a paid advertisement for ARMR’s private offering. Please read the details of the offering at InvestARMR.com for additional information on the company and the risk factors related to the offering.

* For investors from Canada: This advertisement forms part of the issuer’s marketing materials and is incorporated by reference into the issuer’s Offering Memorandum/Private Placement Memorandum under NI 45-106. Investors must receive and review the OM/PPM and execute the prescribed Form 45-106F4 Risk Acknowledgement before subscribing.

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DISCLAIMERS & CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: Certain statements in this presentation (the “Presentation”) may be deemed to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the 1933 Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as ”should,” ”may,” ”intends,” ”anticipates,” ”believes,” ”estimates,” ”projects,” ”forecasts,” ”expects,” ”plans,” and ”proposes.” Forward-looking statements, which are based on the current plans, forecasts and expectations of management of ARMR Sciences Inc. (the “Company” or “ARMR Sciences”), are inherently less reliable than historical information. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including events and circumstances that may be outside our control.

Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, there are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, those risks identified in the Private Placement Memorandum. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained, and ARMR Sciences Inc. does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

Any forward-looking financial forecasts contained in this Presentation are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forecasts. No assurances can be given that the future results indicated, whether expressed or implied, will be achieved. While sometimes presented with numerical specificity, all such forecasts are based upon a variety of assumptions that may not be realized, and which are highly variable. Because of the number and range of the assumptions underlying any such forecasts, many of which are subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are beyond the reasonable control of the issuing company, many of the assumptions inevitably will not materialize and unanticipated events and circumstances may occur subsequent to the date of any financial forecast.

ARMR Sciences Inc. takes no responsibility for any forecasts contained within the Presentation. None of the information contained in any offering materials should be regarded as a representation by ARMR Sciences Inc. The Company’s forecasts have not been prepared with a view toward public disclosure or compliance with the guidelines of the SEC, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. Independent public accountants have not examined nor compiled any forecasts and have not expressed an opinion or assurance with respect to the figures.

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ARMR Sciences Inc. is currently undertaking a private placement offering of Offered Shares pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act and/or Rule 506(c) of Regulation D promulgated thereunder. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and investment time horizon of the Company carefully before investing. The private placement memorandum relating to the offering of Securities will contain this and other information concerning the Company, including risk factors, which should be read carefully before investing.

The Securities are being offered and sold in reliance on exemptions from registration under the 1933 Act. In accordance therewith, you should be aware that (i) the Securities may be sold only to “accredited investors,” as defined in Rule 501 of Regulation D; (ii) the Securities will only be offered in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and will not be required to comply with specific disclosure requirements that apply to registration under the Securities Act; (iii) the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) will not pass upon the merits of or give its approval to the terms of the Securities or the offering, or the accuracy or completeness of any offering materials; (iv) the Securities will be subject to legal restrictions on transfer and resale and investors should not assume they will be able to resell their securities; and (v) investing in these Securities involves a high degree of risk, and investors should be able to bear the loss of their entire investment. Furthermore, investors must understand that such investment could be illiquid for an indefinite period of time.

The Company is “Testing the Waters” under Regulation A under the Securities Act of 1933. The Company is not under any obligation to make an offering under Regulation A. No money or other consideration is being solicited in connection with the information provided, and if sent in response, will not be accepted. No offer to buy the securities can be accepted and no part of the purchase price can be received until an offering statement on Form 1-A has been filed and until the offering statement is qualified pursuant to Regulation A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any such offer may be withdrawn or revoked, without obligation or commitment of any kind, at any time before notice of its acceptance given after the qualification date.   
 
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