2010: New Direction

Conversations, networking and smiles during the VIP reception at NACW 2009.

Here we are one month into 2010.  It’s enough distance from the previous year to put it to rest and just deep enough into the new year to get a feel for what it might bring us.  So, what will 2010 mean for the carbon community?  As of today, 55 countries have submitted to the UNFCCC pledges to cut and limit their GHG emissions.  What other kinds of commitments will we see from countries leading up to COP16 in Cancun?  Obama’s spending proposal for fiscal year 2011 relies on market-based climate change legislation being passed, but I bet if you took a poll of people in the carbon community, the overwhelming sentiment would be that cap-and-trade legislation is not going to happen this year.   Is a U.S. federal program really dead until 2011….or even 2012?  If so, all eyes are going to look straight to the regional and state programs.  What kind of developments will we see on those levels?  And what will all of this mean for the voluntary market?

There’s certainly no shortage of questions and scenarios to explore for 2010.  The stage is set for a significant year for climate change issues, which is one of the reasons we’re looking forward to NACW 2010.  To the best of my knowledge, it will be the first major event of the year to address these issues.  And, the event is being planned to not only discuss and explore the issues but also to focus on identifying directions for moving forward.  Because no matter what the answers to the above questions are, we know that action needs to be taken.

Another reason we’re excited for NACW 2010 is because of the intimate nature of the event.  Even though it draws around 1,000 people, it still has a personal vibe to it.  This is the eighth year for NACW, and for the people who’ve attended multiple years, it’s like a reunion.  In some cases, it’s the one time of the year that people who deal with each other virtually get to see each other in person.  And, it’s an opportunity to make new connections.  With the carbon community growing at such a rapid pace, it’s guaranteed there will be a sea of new faces.

In the time leading up to the conference, we’ll be posting news and updates to this site.  Check back often for information on speakers, exhibitors and sponsors.  And check back on Tuesdays for regular blog postings.

For our old friends, we’re looking forward to seeing you again.  For our new friends, we’re looking forward to meeting you.  We’ll see you all in San Francisco in a short two and a half months.