Study Finds Carbon Markets Insufficient to Preserve Southeast Asia’s Forests

A study published in August 2026 highlights that carbon markets alone are inadequate to conserve the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. These forests, known for their rich biodiversity and ecosystem services like water provision, air purification, and flood protection, continue to face threats from extractive industries and agribusiness. Despite their role in storing large amounts of carbon, forest preservation is often secondary to economic activities. The study suggests that additional measures beyond carbon trading are necessary to maintain forest integrity in the region.