As 2024 comes to a close, we take this opportunity to reflect on a year of collaboration, learning, and growth. At One Carbon World, our values of integrity, responsibility, kindness, and supportiveness guide every step of our journey. Sharing this reflection is part of our commitment to transparency and accountability. In a world that often lacks transparency and is too frequently misleading, we believe in the importance of open communication, maintaining integrity and demonstrating honesty to earn trust.

This reflection offers a candid look at our achievements, challenges, and aspirations for the future.

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Looking Back: Key Achievements

1. Leadership That Inspires
This year, we welcomed two exceptional leaders who have strengthened our mission. Faye O’Connor OBE joined us as Vice President and Ambassador for Nature-Based Solutions, bringing a wealth of experience in international development and climate action. Hayley Warrens, our new Head of Carbon Removals, drives forward innovative approaches to tackle emissions with a thoughtful and evidence-based mindset. Together, they have enhanced our capacity to support transformative sustainability initiatives globally.

2. Launch of Carbon Removals Service
The official launch of our carbon removals service was a significant milestone. This initiative enables organisations to address their most challenging emissions while contributing to long-term climate resilience. We are proud to see businesses engaging with this solution as part of their sustainability efforts.

3. Supporting Nature-Based Solutions
One Carbon World supported the UN Global Compact Network UK's Nature-Based Solutions for Business webinar series. The series aimed to help businesses learn how to identify, implement, and finance nature-based solutions (NbS). This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collective action.

4. Building Stronger Partnerships
Collaborations with organisations such as the British Retail Consortium and 1% for the Planet have allowed us to work on shared solutions to critical climate challenges. These partnerships exemplify the importance of collective effort in driving meaningful progress.

Challenges Faced: Lessons Learned

1. Insufficient Global Progress
Despite collective efforts, global emissions reductions remain inadequate to meet the 1.5°C target. This ongoing challenge underscores the urgency of our work and the need for continued advocacy and collaboration.

2. Delays in Climate Commitments
Policy delays and insufficient ambition to phase out fossil fuels highlight systemic barriers to rapid decarbonisation. These challenges remind us of the importance of persistence and constructive dialogue in achieving climate goals.

Opportunities Ahead

1. Expanding Carbon Removals Initiatives
The success of our carbon removals service encourages us to explore new ways of helping organisations tackle emissions. This includes expanding the reach of our services.

2. Deepening Collaboration
Partnerships with organisations such as the British Retail Consortium and the UN Global Compact Network UK provide a strong foundation for addressing complex challenges. By continuing to build these relationships, we can amplify our collective impact.

3. Preparing for 2025 Initiatives
We are excited about upcoming projects that will enhance our ability to support organisations and communities in navigating climate challenges. These initiatives reflect our dedication to continuous improvement and collaboration.

Navigating Risks and Uncertainties

1. Systemic Barriers
The slow pace of emissions reductions and policy challenges remain significant obstacles. These barriers highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability in our approach.

2. Economic and Policy Uncertainty
Fluctuating economic conditions and shifting policy frameworks create complexities that require strategic foresight. Navigating these uncertainties will be critical to maintaining momentum.

3. Accelerating Climate Impacts
The increasing severity of climate change impacts underscores the urgency of mitigation and adaptation efforts. This motivates us to continue working toward practical and scalable solutions.

Moving Forward with Purpose

As we look ahead to 2025, we are both growing from the challenges of the past year and inspired by the opportunities to come. Reflecting on our journey reaffirms our commitment to our planet and aiding it and its inhabitants to live a healthy and sustainable life.

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To our partners, collaborators, and the broader climate community: thank you for your trust and shared commitment to a sustainable future. Together, we can continue to push boundaries, tackle challenges, and create a healthier, more resilient planet for all.

Let’s move forward—together.

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