The landscape for corporate sustainability is shifting fast. Carbon, once a theoretical cost in spreadsheets and strategy decks, is starting to show up on balance sheets. As a consultant working with global brands on decarbonization, I started Carbon Tradecraft to help bridge the gap between policy headlines and business decisions.

There were three reasons I felt compelled to create this blog.

1. A Paradigm Shift Is Underway

While the media fixates on rollbacks of climate targets and political uncertainty in the U.S., something more fundamental is happening: carbon is becoming a cost. More countries are putting a price on emissions. The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) may have been unilateral, but it’s triggered a global response. Exporting countries are rushing to implement domestic carbon pricing to keep revenues onshore. Importing countries are launching their own CBAMs to protect trade balances. And in a world increasingly accustomed to tariffs, it’s all becoming politically viable.

The implication is clear: regardless of where companies operate, they’ll soon be paying for carbon.

This is a generational opportunity for corporate sustainability teams. Decarbonization, historically treated as a cost centre, is poised to directly affect tax liabilities. That shifts the business case entirely. But to seize this opportunity, companies need a clear view of the policy landscape, and how to respond.

2. Bridging Two Worlds That Don’t Talk to Each Other

In early 2024, I chaired a panel on corporate demand for carbon credits. It was my first deep dive into the carbon trading world. The conversation was incredibly sophisticated; rich in technical nuance, policy analysis, and financial instruments. But I left feeling uneasy.

The clients I work with every day aren’t in that world yet. They’re working on foundational steps: collecting quality scope 3 data, engaging suppliers, rolling out renewables. The cutting-edge thinking I heard at the conference wasn’t translating into their reality, and vice versa.

That disconnect is a missed opportunity. Carbon markets are about to become directly relevant for corporate sustainability teams. But the two communities – carbon market and policy experts and sustainability practitioners - need to start learning from each other. Fast.

3. Creating the Resource I Wish I’d Had

When I first dug into CBAM and compliance carbon markets in late 2023, I was shocked by how inaccessible it all was. Understanding the policy meant wading through hundreds of pages of EU legislation—something most corporate teams simply don’t have the time or resources to do.

At the same time, my LinkedIn feed was full of speculative takes and policy rumours. The signal-to-noise ratio was terrible. As policy changes accelerate across geographies, it’s become harder than ever to tell what’s real, what’s coming, and what actually demands action.

This blog is designed to be the resource I wish I’d had—clear, focused, and grounded in real-world impact. It’s here to help corporate sustainability teams cut through the noise and figure out what matters, what it means, and what to do about it.

What You’ll Find on Carbon Tradecraft

Deep Dives

In-depth analysis of major developments in carbon regulation, climate policy, and sustainable trade. Each post breaks down what’s happening, why it matters, and how companies should respond.

Carbon Policy Explained

Straightforward explainers on key climate policy tools—from emissions trading schemes and carbon taxes to CBAMs and industrial decarbonization incentives. Ideal for newcomers and veterans alike who want a clearer understanding of how policy is reshaping global business.

The Tradecraft Brief (Launching August 2025)

A weekly newsletter decoding the fast-moving world of carbon regulation, trade, and corporate decarbonisation. Bite-sized updates on the key stories sustainability professionals need to stay ahead.

Climate policy is no longer something to watch from the sidelines. It must become central to corporate strategy, supply chain decisions, and bottom-line results. My hope is that Carbon Tradecraft helps you make sense of it all—and gives you the tools to act with clarity and confidence.