95% of CDR Credits Are Nature-Based. The Durability Gap Is Getting Dangerous.
Ninety-five percent. That’s the share of CDR credits issued in the voluntary carbon market in 2025 that came from nature-based approaches — tree planting, soil carbon, mangroves. Only 5% came from high-durability pathways like biochar or BECCS. According to Carbon Direct’s 2026 State of the Voluntary Carbon Market Report, published February 10, this isn’t just a gap. It’s a structural failure. The numbers paint a grim picture across the board. CDR represents just 5-6% of total VCM retirements. Credit retirements fell 7% in 2025 compared to 2024, landing at 157 Mt total. Corporate climate commitments surged 227% — and the market still shrank. Five consecutive years of stagnation. The VCM isn’t growing into its potential. It’s treading water while the planet warms. ...