Carbon Capitalism: How COP29, Global Markets, New Technology Are Transforming Climate Action

Darren Wolfberg, CEO of Triangle Digital, breaks down how carbon markets are about to transform the global economy. Following COP29, 80% of global GDP has adopted carbon reporting requirements, creating an unstoppable momentum for change regardless of U.S. political positions.

The interview explores how market forces are already driving corporate behavior through the cost of capital. Companies issuing sustainable debt now pay interest rates 0.74% lower than traditional debt - a spread that has grown from just 0.05% in 2018. This difference is creating massive financial incentives for companies to change, especially as asset managers face pressure to comply with global standards or risk losing capital.

Thanks to our sponsor Truflation. Learn more at https://truflation.com/.

Currently, carbon credits trade between $25-35, but prices are projected to rise significantly as new regulations take effect. The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will require carbon credits for imports starting in 2025, creating the first major source of regulated demand. Market projections suggest growth from $4T today to $160T by 2030.

The interview also covers how blockchain technology is solving the trust and verification problems that have held back carbon markets, making credits fully trackable and tradeable in real-time.

Chapters:
00:00 Section 1- The Money Story: Cost of Capital Revolution
06:06 Section 2- Global Standards Are Driving Change
14:14 Section 3- The Technology Solution; Making Carbon Trackable, Tradeable, and Trustworthy
24:39 Section 4: Sizing the Carbon Credit Market Opportunity
32:57 Section 5- Economic Impact of a Successful Carbon Market
39:48 Section 6- Climate/Carbon is the "Killer Ap" for Digital Assets