About

The Article 6 Implementation Status Report (A6ISR) offers a snapshot of global progress in implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Compiled by the A6IP Center, the report examines the readiness of 100 countries to participate in international carbon markets; analyzes global carbon-market activities; and identifies current status, challenges and areas of support, offering insights to guide decision-makers in leveraging Article 6 for enhanced national climate ambition and achievement of the Paris goals. 

Progress is evident: 85 countries have authorization and/or tracking arrangements under way; 13 have both in place; and 14 have submitted initial reports to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Bilateral agreements and cooperation arrangements are growing, now reaching 99 agreements or arrangements across 61 Parties. The Article 6.4 mechanism, also known as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) has received about 1,000 prior consideration notifications, 1,500 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) activities have requested transition to PACM, and 92 of those have received approval for transition by the host Party. Independent standards have a growing role, with 11,000 pipeline projects and eight Letters of Authorization (LoAs) issued.

Ninety-six carbon-market initatives/capacity-building activities have been identified, with the median Party participating in seven initiatives.

Private sector and partner organizations identified challenges and barriers to implementation of Article 6, including unclear legal frameworks, uncertainty around carbon-credit demand and prices, and limited access to finance. The most useful support identified to implement Article 6 included clear legal rules and government guidance, stronger government demand for Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), targeted incentives, clarity on corresponding adjustments, and project development.

The year 2025 is critical for enhancing ambition: A total of 30 Parties have submitted NDC 3.0 and expressed an intention to engage in voluntary cooperation under Article 6 in their NDCs. Coordinated international cooperation and tailored capacity-building efforts will be essential to address gaps, strengthen policy frameworks, and promote robust implementation.