Chapter 2: Methodology

Methodology  ​

The A6ISR synthesized primary and secondary data to assess readiness for implementing Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and examined the current challenges facing implementation. Primary data were gathered through an Article 6 Implementation Partnership (A6IP) survey completed by Party representatives and information collected through factsheets sent to representatives of Parties, the World Bank, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as well as publicly available information. Additional primary data were derived from A6IP’s internal knowledge of Article 6 readiness, and insights were gathered from consultations with Parties' and organizations. These sources provided detailed insights into each Party’s progress and obstacles in implementing Article 6. Secondary data from established sources including United Nations Framework Climate Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Institute for Global Environmental Strategies Clean Development Mechanism (IGES CDM) Database, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies Joint Crediting Mechanism (IGES JCM) Database, Berkeley Voluntary Registry Offsets Database, Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM), American Carbon Registry (ACR), Carbon Action Reserve (CAR), Gold Standard (GS), and United Nations Environment Programme Copenhagen Climate Centre (UNEP CCC). Article 6 Pipeline databases offered a broader view of developments in Article 6.2 bilateral cooperation, Article 6.4 mechanisms, and independent standards. All data sources were systematically harmonized within the A6IP database, establishing a foundation for consistent comparisons and analysis across Parties. 

The A6IP survey aimed to capture a snapshot of global readiness for Article 6 implementation by identifying Parties’ main challenges, barriers, and capacity-building needs. The survey was distributed via Qualtrics platform and targeted stakeholders across 90 Parties through email invitations. The survey was organized into two ranking sections that guided respondents in identifying their primary challenges and needs. In the first section, respondents ranked the top five challenges or barriers to Article 6 readiness from a list of 21 options, including establishing policy frameworks, engaging the private sector, and accessing a registry for tracking Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). The second section invited respondents to rank their top five capacity-building and technical assistance needs from 18 items, covering areas such as drafting policy frameworks, making informed registry decisions, and identifying mitigation activities. This structure encouraged respondents to consider all listed items carefully, supported by Qualtrics- drag and drop interface that automatically numbered each selection. Additionally, respondents were invited to elaborate on their selections or identify any further challenges or needs in open-text fields limited to 100 words each. Out of 90 invited respondents, 29 completed the survey, resulting in a response rate of approximately 31%. Responses were aggregated to maintain anonymity and ensure data confidentiality, and no individually identifiable data were disclosed. This aggregated data will inform Parties to the Article 6 agreement and various stakeholders, providing a snapshot of global readiness for Article 6 Implementation.
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Article 6 of the Paris Agreement represents a significant opportunity for global collaboration to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) through market-based mechanisms. However, initial implementation efforts revealed a range of challenges and barriers. A clearer understanding of these obstacles is essential to develop effective strategies that support Parties in fully participating in carbon markets and advancing their climate ambitions.