Many companies have recognised the powerful role of carbon credits within their climate strategies to drive meaningful action outside their value chains. But for both new market entrants and long-term buyers to tap into the evolving voluntary carbon market for strategic advantage, they need to understand what's happening.
Many companies have recognised the powerful role of carbon credits within their climate strategies to drive meaningful action outside their value chains. But for both new market entrants and long-term buyers to tap into the evolving voluntary carbon market for strategic advantage, they need to understand what's happening.
With over 17 years experience developing projects and supporting companies to compensate for over 170 million tonnes of CO2, we've translated our market insights into what to know for the year ahead.
Isabel Hagbrink is the Director of Communications at South Pole, a leading climate strategy and solutions company, responsible for strategic communications, branding, stakeholder engagement and advocacy efforts.
Isabel was previously responsible for carbon and climate finance communications at the World Bank in Washington DC, with a focus on projects and technologies around the world that reduce emissions and earn carbon credits. Previous to the World Bank, Isabel was the Vice President for voluntary carbon markets at MGM International, originating projects that reduce emissions in the US and responsible for the relationship with US clients and Morgan Stanley, its main shareholder.
As the Head of Project Development & Implementation, Bamshad is responsible for overseeing the generation of climate action credits, renewable energy certificates, biodiversity credits, and other products from South Pole's projects worldwide, both for the voluntary and compliance markets globally. The work covers a wide range of mitigation scopes in nature-based solutions and sustainable technologies and coordinates the supply side of South Pole's portfolio of climate action and other credits with South Pole's global sourcing team.
In the past 23 years Bamshad has been leading research, project development, and business management services for the sustainable technologies and natural resource conservation sectors. Since the early days of the CDM he has focused his efforts on developing and promoting climate mitigation solutions that make a positive climate and socio-ecological impact, especially those solutions that allow public-private institutions, businesses, and most importantly involved communities to play a key role in the global battle against climate change. As an engineer and a social entrepreneur, he strives to design optimum sustainable systems that demonstrate - to both businesses and societies - the clear benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle and transitioning the existing economic system to one that is fair and sustainable for all.
Bamshad's past experience and affiliations include serving as a methodology panel member for the UNFCCC Executive Board, as a technical member of the Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) by VCS (aka Verra), involvement with WRI, UNEP DTU, the California GHG Program Registry - Climate Action Reserve (CAR), and being listed on the Roster of Experts for UNFCCC and the Gold Standard.
Judit Legrady is Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Portfolio for South Pole's global portfolio. Judit's deep expertise in carbon markets, carbon projects, carbon pricing, as well as project analysis, corporate claims and climate policy has helped successfully serve hundreds of clients in industries such as transport, finance, FMCG, aviation and energy. By developing tailor-made carbon credit solutions for South Pole's clients, Judit helped generate significant impact for communities around the world. She holds a Master's degree in Green management, Energy and Corporate Social responsibility from Bocconi University.
Adam Sipthorpe is a Senior Manager for South Pole within the Portfolio team. His passion for novel climate solutions and drive for scaling high-quality Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDRs) has taken him around the world, from leading industry working groups with the objective to scale CCS markets globally to developing the business models for carbon capture technologies across Europe and North America. Adam is putting his expertise to good use by advising clients on how to best integrate CDRs into their climate strategy. Adam holds an MSc in Environmental Technology, with a focus on Energy Policy, Blockchain and Carbon Markets from Imperial College London.
As the Senior Managing Consultant in South Pole's Carbon Advisory practice for the Asia Pacific region, Danielle spearheads the development of bespoke solutions and strategies for our APAC clients to fulfill their carbon offset commitments. With her deep expertise in voluntary carbon markets, climate finance, and sustainability, Danielle has played a pivotal role in serving our clients in the region. Her academic background includes a Master's degree in Sustainable Development from the University of London, UK, and a Bachelor's (Hons) degree in Environmental Science from South Africa.
Dave has worked across various energy and industrial sectors. This has included product development for reducing energy usage in concrete production and utilising various secondary combustion products as cement substitutes. Dave has a PhD from collaboration with a start-up SME and a BEng hons degree, both in Civil Engineering from Sheffield Hallam University.
Karolien is South Pole's Regional Director for Climate Policy, Finance and Carbon Markets in Asia. She oversees South Pole's advisory work for public and private sector clients relating to carbon policy, climate finance, Article 6 and quickly-evolving compliance carbon markets in the region. She has 17 years of experience in climate and development finance with the Belgian Foreign Ministry, the United Nations and the Global Green Growth Institute. Karolien has lived and worked across Africa and Asia advising governments on policy and investment opportunities relating to clean energy, waste, transport, sustainable supply chains, NDCs, article 6 and more. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Leuven with a Masters in Philosophy and holds a second Masters in International Relations from Sciences Po Paris. Karolien speaks English, French, Dutch and German.
Ria Mariamah is a senior business development manager act South Pole, she establishes strategic partnerships and project origination for nature based solutions in South East Asia and pacific. In her current role, she advises private companies, NGOs and government institutions in South East Asia to set up nature based carbon projects for voluntary carbon market. She earned her Masters degree from SOAS University of London in climate change and development and has 12 years of experience in the development sector, particularly in natural resources management, forestry and land use governance, green economy and education. Her previous work including managing the UK FCDO forestry programmes in Papua provinces and conducting research on civil – military engagement for Save the children Palestine. She has also implemented programs funded by Walton family and Packard foundation in marine and fishery sector across Indonesia.
