France has unveiled a new “Charter for Paris-aligned and High Integrity Use of Carbon Credits,” calling on companies to adopt best practices in carbon credit usage as part of their climate strategies. Announced by Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher, the charter reinforces the country’s support for transparent, credible carbon markets and follows the international consensus reached at COP29 regarding the implementation of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement. The charter emphasizes two key commitments: prioritizing actual emissions reductions before offsetting, and ensuring only high-integrity carbon credits are used, such as those aligned with Article 6.4 and the ICVCM Core Carbon Principles.

Seventeen companies, including Schneider Electric, Capgemini, Beko, and FDJ United, have already signed the pledge. The initiative reflects a broader push to establish global standards and governance in voluntary and compliance markets, as well as to ensure climate finance flows to vulnerable developing countries. The French government urges more companies to align with this framework, positioning high-quality carbon credits as a complement—not a substitute—for direct decarbonization.

Link: https://www.esgtoday.com/france-launches-charter-to-support-use-of-high-integrity-carbon-credits/