The Latin America Climate Summit (LACS) 2025 took place from August 26 to 28, 2025, at the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel in São Paulo, Brazil. Organised by the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) in collaboration with the International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP), this summit served as a pivotal platform for over 800 delegates from across Latin America and the Caribbean to engage in discussions on carbon pricing, carbon markets, and the role of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) in driving climate action in the region. ICAP Carbon Action
Summit Overview
LACS 2025 convened policymakers, business leaders, civil society representatives and environmental experts to explore strategies for enhancing climate ambition through market-based instruments. The summit’s agenda focused on several key areas:
- Carbon Pricing Instruments: Discussions centered on the implementation and expansion of carbon pricing mechanisms, including emissions trading systems and carbon taxes, to incentivize emission reductions.
- Carbon Markets: The summit examined the development and integration of carbon markets in the region, aiming to facilitate cost-effective emissions reductions and promote sustainable economic growth.
- Natural Climate Solutions (NCS): Emphasis was placed on leveraging NCS, such as reforestation and sustainable land management, to enhance carbon sequestration and support biodiversity conservation.
- Climate Finance: Sessions addressed mechanisms for scaling up climate finance through international markets, with a focus on mobilizing resources for climate mitigation and adaptation projects.
Key Highlights
- Regional Collaboration: The summit underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate challenges and advancing the implementation of carbon pricing and market-based solutions.
- Policy Integration: Discussions highlighted the need to align carbon pricing instruments with national climate commitments, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to ensure coherent and effective climate policies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The event provided a platform for diverse stakeholders, including Indigenous communities and local organisations, to contribute to the dialogue on climate action and sustainable development.
Conclusion
LACS 2025 served as a significant milestone in advancing climate action in Latin America and the Caribbean. By fostering dialogue amongst key stakeholders and focusing on market-based solutions, the summit contributed to the region’s efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. ICAP Carbon Action
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