Regulatory frameworks and additionality in carbon markets: international lessons and challenges for soil carbon sequestration in Brazil

Carbon credits are becoming tradable financial assets, driving a dynamic market and creating opportunities for sustainable investment. However, effective trading depends on the rigorous application of additionality mechanisms and robust monitoring and verification protocols.

This study comparatively analyzed the main international regulatory frameworks and the emerging Brazilian emissions trading system, evaluating additionality criteria, certification standards, and their implications for the credibility of the carbon market, integrating soil carbon sequestration as a viable way to generate these credits.

The analysis involved legislation, certification methodologies, and case studies of consolidated markets, with an emphasis on the definition of baselines, continuous monitoring requirements, and independent verification. The results demonstrated that international systems with clear operational criteria and standardized methodologies offer greater environmental security and economic attractiveness. 

On the other hand, Brazil still lacks detailed technical guidelines for operationalizing additionality. The variability of carbon stocks observed in different agricultural contexts represents a significant methodological challenge for the reliable quantification of credits, requiring more sensitive protocols, since the absence of such instruments can compromise the environmental integrity of the credits generated, in addition to the need to be financially viable.

It was concluded that strengthening the Brazilian carbon market requires adapting international standards to local soil and climate conditions, incorporating robust methodologies for measuring soil carbon to ensure credibility, attract investment, and expand the role of carbon sequestration as a climate solution.