Companies, investors and institutions are increasingly seeking solutions that allow them to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising the viability of their business models. It is in this context that carbon credits gain relevance, as an instrument capable of supporting climate action, financing nature conservation and generating real positive impact.

What are carbon credits
A carbon credit corresponds to the reduction or removal of one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO₂), or equivalent greenhouse gases, from the atmosphere. This reduction may result from different types of projects, such as forest conservation and sustainable management, restoration of degraded areas, regenerative agriculture or improvements in energy efficiency.

By acquiring carbon credits, companies and investors offset emissions they are not yet able to fully eliminate, channeling financial resources into initiatives that contribute to mitigating climate change. When well structured, these credits make it possible to connect the financial market with environmental protection, creating economic incentives for more sustainable practices.

Carbon markets: regulated and voluntary
Carbon credits can be traded in two main types of markets. The regulated market is imposed by legislation on certain sectors and companies, which have maximum emission limits and are required to offset excess emissions through the purchase of credits. The voluntary market, on the other hand, is made up of companies, organizations and investors that proactively choose to offset their emissions and support environmental projects.

It is mainly in the voluntary market that projects linked to forest conservation, sustainable agriculture and instruments such as CPR Verde emerge. These projects make it possible to transform environmental services, such as carbon sequestration, into measurable and certified economic assets.

Why carbon credits are important
Carbon credits play an important role in the climate transition because they allow financing of projects that would otherwise be difficult to make viable. By assigning economic value to nature conservation, incentives are created to protect ecosystems, restore forests, conserve water resources and support local communities.

In addition, carbon credits act as a transitional solution. Although direct emission reduction should always be the priority, there are activities that cannot fully eliminate their climate impact in the short term. In these cases, credits allow emissions to be offset while investing in deeper decarbonization processes.

What it means to invest responsibly in carbon credits
Investing in carbon credits responsibly means going beyond simply purchasing a certificate. A responsible investment begins with analyzing the additionality of the project, that is, ensuring that emission reductions only occur because of the financing obtained through the credits. Without this condition, the climate impact would not exist.

Transparency and measurability are equally essential. Carbon reductions must be quantifiable, verifiable and supported by recognized methodologies, as well as clear technical reports. The existence of certifications and appropriate legal frameworks, as in the case of CPR Verde, reinforces the credibility and integrity of the projects.

A responsible investment must also consider environmental and social co-benefits. High-quality projects are not limited to carbon, contributing to biodiversity conservation, protection of water resources, creation of local jobs and sustainable development of the territories where they are implemented.

The risk of greenwashing
The growth of the carbon credit market has brought significant risks. Poorly designed projects, low-quality credits or initiatives with no real impact can fuel greenwashing practices, undermining trust in the market and in offset mechanisms.

For this reason, it is essential to understand the origin of the credits, know the territory where the project is developed, demand consistent technical information and prioritize initiatives with proven and lasting impact. Investing responsibly is, above all, investing with knowledge.

The role of Impacto Positivo
At Impacto Positivo, carbon credits are seen as instruments of real transformation and not merely as compensation mechanisms. The approach is based on projects grounded in science, robust methodologies and a clear legal framework, capable of generating measurable environmental, social and economic impact.

Projects such as Itacitrus, Cumaru and Boa Esperança demonstrate that it is possible to align investment, nature conservation and sustainable development, creating value for territories and for the climate.

Carbon credits are part of the solution to the climate crisis
Carbon credits do not replace the need to reduce emissions at the source, but they are an essential tool in the transition to a more balanced and resilient economy. When used properly, they make it possible to gain time, finance nature-based solutions and accelerate climate action.

Investing responsibly means ensuring that each credit represents carbon that has truly been avoided or removed, protected nature and a more sustainable future for all.

Andreia Arenga
22.01.2026

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