Carbon Credit:
A Beginner’s Guide
Introduction to Carbon Markets and Climate Action
Carbon Credit: A Beginner’s Guide begins by laying a clear foundation for understanding the climate crisis and the evolution of global carbon markets. It introduces readers to key milestones such as the Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), explaining how market-based mechanisms like carbon credits became central to global emission reduction efforts. Using simple language and intuitive visuals, the book demystifies core concepts such as Net Zero, carbon offsets, and emissions trading systems. It also contextualizes India’s growing role in the climate economy through policy measures, national carbon trading framework, and the emerging compliance market. Each chapter is thoughtfully structured to build the reader’s knowledge from first principles to advanced topics. Whether you’re a student, policymaker, or business leader, this section equips you with a clear understanding of how carbon markets function, why they matter, and how India is positioning itself as a future leader in the global low-carbon economy
Project Development, MRV, Methodologies, and Registries
The book offers a step-by-step breakdown of how carbon credits are generated, verified, and monetized. Readers are guided through the carbon project lifecycle—from project ideation, baselining, and validation to MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification), third-party audits, and registry issuance. Real-world case studies explain how renewable energy, afforestation, biochar, energy efficiency, and carbon farming projects generate verifiable emission reductions. The book dives into international standards like Verra and Gold Standard, while also covering India’s emerging domestic mechanisms. Key concepts such as “additionality,” leakage, permanence, and co-benefits are clearly explained alongside the relevant methodologies. It also introduces readers to Article 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, unpacking how countries can trade Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). The role of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs), the function of registries, and the challenges of pricing, quality, and transparency are explored in depth. Each concept is supported by infographics, illustrations, and simplified formulae—making the content digestible for climate professionals and first-time readers alike. With over 120 glossary terms and a dedicated section on carbon math, this part of the book becomes an indispensable reference for anyone looking to engage with the operational and technical aspects of the carbon credit system.
Startups, Jobs, and India’s Climate Leadership
The book transitions from technical explanations to the socio-economic potential of the carbon economy. It highlights how climate innovation, entrepreneurship, and finance are unlocking new green jobs and growth models. Startups such as EKI, Climes, and Varaha are profiled for their work in blockchain registries, MRV automation, and regenerative agriculture. The book shows how carbon credits are not just market tools—they’re job creators, livelihood enhancers, and catalysts for rural transformation. Readers are also introduced to the emerging ecosystem of climate finance—green bonds, ESG credit lines, and carbon-linked loans—which is helping fund low-carbon infrastructure. A special chapter on India’s rare earth strategy links critical minerals to the carbon economy, providing insights into their role in electric vehicles, solar energy, and clean tech. One of the most practical contributions of the book is the “Small Actions, Big Impact” feature, which outlines simple steps for individuals, schools, offices, and local governments to participate in climate solutions. By connecting science, finance, innovation, and action, the book encourages students, professionals, and changemakers to become active contributors to India’s climate leadership. It is a practical, inspiring, and timely guide to building a carbon-conscious future from the ground up.