At the end of a year and heading into the holidays, it is customary to reflect on the successes and activities of the past year, and I want to do that a bit further down, but I also want to acknowledging the effects and impact that the Bondi terror attacks have had on people in Australia and the World. Our thoughts go out to those directly affected by it, the families and friends of victims, the first responders, the broader Jewish and Bondi communities. Combatting terrorism takes unity, compassion and care. Please reach out to people and offer support, care and compassion. In this time of grief and shock, look after yourself, your immediate family and the community.
Review of 2025
2025 has been an important year which saw a strengthened Labor government after the federal election. The government set a 2035 emissions reduction target of 62–70% below 2005 levels, and released the Net Zero Plan, supported by 6 sectoral decarbonisation plans.
This came after the release of the National Climate Risk Assessment and National Adaptation Plan, outlining the climate impacts facing Australians and how we will adapt to them.
Clear climate targets and supporting policies are important components for policy stability and certainty to accelerate investment decisions aligned with a net zero, nature positive economy.
Therefore, it was disappointing to see the Coalition walk away from their bi-partisan support of Australia’s net zero by 2025 commitment.
In Australia and across the Asia Pacific region, the CMI continues to play a central role in developing and supporting policy and regulatory frameworks aligned with Paris Agreement climate goals.
Member engagement is at the heart of what we do with several working groups and taskforces providing input into consultations and the formation of policy positions. The newly formed Safeguard Mechanism Taskforce was established to support and inform our approach to the upcoming review in 2026.
Our flagship event, the Australasian Emissions Reduction Summit continues to go from strength to strength with a World class program in 2025. New concepts like the Pavilions extend the opportunity for discussion and education. For the first time, we offered a seminar series on Carbon Derivatives, as well as a number of successful events.
Since 21 July 2025, the Code is now administered by an independent, not-for-profit organisation, Australian Carbon Industry Code of Conduct Administrator Limited. 72% of land-based ACCU projects registered since 2018 are now covered by the Code.
2025 has seen a change in leadership of CMI with CEO John Connor’s departure after almost 6 years.
If you want to read on, please access the Impact Report 2025 here.
Outlook 2026
The government will conduct a review of the Safeguard Mechanism in the second half of 2026 which will be open for consultation and will attract a multitude of perspectives.
Australia is going to be Co-President of COP31 with a possible pre-COP event in the Pacific.
However, getting the framework and timelines right for method development and release to assure supply, will continue to be a priority for the sector.
The credibility of private sector net zero commitments and actions will remain a key focus in 2026, ranging from policy and regulatory measures to improve integrity and accountability, international guidance and standards to support net zero transition pathways and credible carbon market engagement, and the critical role of transition plans.
Climate finance, technology transfer, and international cooperation remain critical enablers for accelerated climate action. While COP29 agreed to mobilise USD300 billion per year by 2035 for developing countries, this is far short of the estimated USD1.3 trillion needed annually to align global investment with a 1.5°C pathway.
With the Paris Agreement rulebook complete, there is now a strategic opportunity to deepen regional and global cooperation under Article 6, align national carbon standards, and advance the next phase of market-based climate action.
CMI has long advocated for strong and interconnected carbon markets to accelerate the transfer of climate finance, technology and expertise.
Dates of CMI events in 2026
Mark your diary for these upcoming CMI events in the first half of the year:
- NEW! Carbon Project Showcase: let us take you on a tour of Tasmanian forestry carbon projects from 18-20 March. Express your interest for a limited number of tickets (be quick as we expect this to sell out fast).
- Carbon Farming Industry Forum is going west! The Forum will be held from 20-21 May 2026 in Fremantle, WA. Registration will open early in the new year, so watch this space!We are looking for partners to support the delivery of the event. Please contact info@carbonmarketinstitute.org or access the prospectus.
CMI will be closing its doors between 25 December and 2 January. We will be back (at least some of us) on Monday 5 January 2026.
Wishing you a peaceful and restorative holiday period.
With a big year ahead, I look forward to seeing you at an CMI event in 2026!
Kind regards,
Dr Sasha Courville
CEO & Director, Carbon Market Institute
