New study finds carbon prices too low to protect Southeast Asian concession forests

New research published by the National University of Singapore identifies 42 million hectares of intact forest within Southeast Asian concessions, capable of releasing 1.2 gigatons of CO2 if cleared. The study indicates current carbon credit prices of $5-$12 per tonne are insufficient to incentivise conservation over commodity production. Researchers calculate carbon prices would need to reach $33-$1,677 per tonne to make conservation financially competitive. The findings suggest a broader mix of green finance and regulatory reforms are necessary, as carbon markets alone cannot protect these forests.