From the Pitch

Integrity doesn't scale; Until someone starts counting.

To the governments that stake their reputation on a courageous law. To the communities protecting what remains. To the companies that could hide — and choose not to. To the scientists who keep sounding the alarm, even when no one seems to be listening.

To those at the front, and to those in the trenches. This letter is for you.

Every year, we review thousands of nominations from dozens of countries. We speak with hundreds of organisations. We read reports, verify data, and test competing claims. And at the end of that process, we select 100 individuals and teams who have done something genuinely difficult: turned intention into measurable action.

We do not do this to crown anyone.

We do it because, in a market as young and volatile as carbon, the only way forward is knowing who is doing things properly. And saying so — clearly, publicly — so that others can see and be encouraged to follow. So that, together, decarbonisation stops being a promise and becomes something you can point to.

We accept no sponsorship. We charge nothing for nominations. We have no shareholders.

Only one objective: to help the carbon market become more transparent, more credible, and more just. Because if it is not, it will not do what we need it to do — protect people and protect the planet.

For that, we look to Laudato Si'. Pope Francis was direct:

"The buying and selling of carbon credits can give rise to a new form of speculation and would not help reduce the overall emission... It might generate profit but not always a reduction in the overall emission."

We take that warning as a criterion. Every laureate is someone who has understood that shortcuts do not work. That radical transformation is the only path. That markets function only when used with integrity.

Could we be wrong? Of course. When that happens, it will not be for lack of honesty — only for lack of information. And we will correct it. That is why the award can be withdrawn: our commitment to the truth must outlast the recognition.

That is what we are. A group of people trying to see clearly in a world full of noise. Looking for examples of integrity and giving them visibility. And relying on you to do it well.

If you know someone who deserves to be seen — a government, a community, a company, a person — tell us. This is something we build together.

RCD+

Ruy Campos Dugone