DPGs for Climate Action Collection
The Climate Action Data Trust
All DPGs included in the DPGs for Climate Action Collection must meet the requirements outlined in the accompanying identification framework.
To demonstrate compliance, each applying DPG is required to complete a structured submission. The information below reflects the self-reported responses provided as part of that process.
Verified digital public good
The Climate Action Data Trust
Open-source software · CAD Trust (nonprofit)
https://github.com/Chia-Network/cadtPublic data infrastructure that connects carbon credit registries worldwide, providing the harmonised, transparent metadata layer that makes reliable, cross-system carbon credit accounting possible at scale. The first global effort to operationalize common data standards for carbon markets as a digital public good — an adapter connecting the systems that governments and oversight bodies use to verify, reconcile and report on credits.
DPG Compliance & Profile Page: https://www.digitalpublicgoods.net/r/the-climate-action-data-trust
At a glance
- Climate objectives
- Climate finance & Carbon Markets · Cross-cutting
- Sectors
- Cross-sector
- Deployment
- Regional · National · Research
- Countries active
- 3 (Bhutan, Singapore, Switzerland)
- Owner
- CAD Trust (nonprofit); developed with Chia Network
- Type
- Open-source software
- Data extraction
- REST/RPC API · CSV export · public observer nodes
- Year listed
- 2026
Climate DPG Framework · Compliance status
All four layers met
| L1 | DPG Standard | Verified & listed on the Registry (14 July 2026) | ✓ Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| L2 | Climate Alignment | Climate-relevant by design (carbon markets, MRV) | ✓ Met |
| L3 | Infrastructural Approach | Interoperability L4 · Adoption readiness L4 | ✓ Met |
| L4 | Measuring Outcomes | Full KPI table; public dashboard analytics | ✓ Met |
✦ Admitted to the Climate Action Collection
Layer 1DPG Standard
CAD Trust is a verified digital public good, listed on the DPG Registry (Apache-2.0), having met all nine indicators of the DPG Standard. Layer 1 is a precondition for entry to the DPGs for Climate Action Collection.
Layer 2Climate Relevance
Climate-relevant problem addressed
Carbon credit data systems were built apart. Crediting programmes operate worldwide, each with its own registry and data taxonomy, so credits cannot be reliably seen, reconciled or accounted for across systems. This limits government oversight, complicates reporting obligations such as Article 6.2, and constrains how much finance carbon markets can channel into climate action.
CAD Trust addresses this by connecting these systems so they can work together. Registries publish their data directly to a neutral public platform, where it is harmonized under CAD Trust’s data model. Governments, crediting programmes, and oversight bodies can see credit activity across systems, and CAD Trust is building the tools that support verification, reconciliation and reporting – starting with Article 6.2. This creates a foundation for oversight, integrity work and accounting, so more finance can reach climate action.
Theory of contribution
CAD Trust is the first global effort to operationalize common data standards for carbon markets as a digital public good. By providing a public harmonised data baseline across decentralised crediting programmes, it is working to enable governments to oversee existing markets, identify double-counting risks, track NDC achievement and report to the UNFCCC. It does not itself issue credits; it makes fragmented carbon market data comparable and usable — the interoperability infrastructure on which national tools and Article 6 reporting can be built.
Frameworks it aligns with
- Carbon Markets & Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (Article 6)
- UNFCCC decisions & guidelines
How alignment is achieved
CAD Trust uses a standard data model to harmonize information from diverse registries, using Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) sector classification mapped to Article 6 nomenclatures of the Paris Agreement. Data model v2.0 (now rolling out) incorporates all five tables of the internationally negotiated Agreed Electronic Format (AEF), used for annual reporting on internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6.2 — letting users trace reported contributions back to the issuing registry and supporting automated AEF export, particularly relevant to national registries aligned with Article 6 guidelines.
Supported Decisions or Actions
CAD Trust’s public tools help governments oversee carbon-market activity in their jurisdictions and connect it to their national climate strategy — informing regulation, NDC planning, and decisions on domestic and Article 6 international trading. Relevant to Ministries of Climate, Environment, Energy and Finance. In 2026 it piloted support for UNFCCC reporting, drawing on aggregated registry data with a national government.
Layer 3Infrastructural Approach
Modular design
A layered, decoupled architecture with three separable layers: consensus/storage (Chia blockchain + DataLayer), node/application (CADT API) and presentation (public Data Dashboard, third-party clients). API-first with no shared state — any client can substitute for the UI. Node role (governance / publishing / read-only observer) is set by config, not a separate build. Versioned API namespaces (/v1, /v2) run side by side so registries migrate without a network-wide cutover. The v2 data model is published as a machine-readable JSON schema. Federated ownership: each registry owns and publishes its own datastore, with no central write authority. Ships as Docker, Kubernetes, apt and cross-platform (x86 + ARM) binaries.
Data processing
| Ingestion | Registries publish through authenticated v2 REST/RPC endpoints — no proprietary client required. A managed Node-as-a-Service (NaaS) ingestion path lets registries integrate at the API layer only. |
|---|---|
| Validation | The machine-readable schema is the data contract (types, required flags, picklists, provenance). Picklist values validate against the governance node as the authoritative live source, so vocabularies cannot drift. All writes pass through staging → review → commit; nothing reaches the ledger until an explicit commit. |
| Dissemination | Public API GET endpoints on observer nodes return JSON; the public Data Dashboard is the human-facing interface with CSV export. All published data is public and free. A new MCP server endpoint enables AI-agent / LLM consumption (pending further funding to deploy widely). |
Integrations & Adapters
CAD Trust is an adapter, not a replacement for the registries issuing credits: all connected registries keep their own system of record and publish a mapped metadata subset, so integration is additive with no changes to the underlying registry. The v2 data model is aligned to the UNFCCC Article 6.2 AEF reporting standard, enabling automated Article 6 reporting pipelines from diverse registries, and the team is working toward interoperability between connected registries and national government registry systems via interoperability protocols, data models and APIs.
Maturity scales
Interoperability*
Level 4 / 5 — Integrated
Machine-readable JSON schema (cadtrust-schema-v2.0.2.json) with field definitions, types, picklists and v1→v2 migration notes; v2 RPC API guide with endpoint/field tables and staging workflow; schema-mapping reference; public Data Dashboard; documented connection process. Core API on GitHub (Apache-2.0).
Interoperability Evidence
- Core API repository (Apache-2.0): GitHub - Chia-Network/cadt: Climate Action Data Trust
- v2 RPC API guide: docs/cadt_rpc_api_v2.md — endpoints, field tables, staging workflow, curl examples
- Machine-readable schema: docs/cadtrust-schema-v2.0.2.json — field definitions, types, picklists, insert order, v1→v2 migration notes
- Schema mapping reference: docs/CADTrust_Machine_Readable_Schema_v2.0.2_Schema_Mapping_Reference.pdf
- Public Data Dashboard: https://data.climateactiondata.org
- Connection process and API access: https://climateactiondata.org/how-to-connect/
Adoption readiness**
Level 4 / 5 — Orchestrated / Cloud-Optimized
Scalability, Performance & reliability
CAD Trust aggregates only metadata records — not files or imagery, which stay with the registries of record — keeping the footprint low and storage scaling with record count. Pagination, selectable columns and configurable request-size limits protect nodes from expensive or malicious queries. The federated, replicated network (each node holds a full copy) provides natural redundancy.
Computing & energy intensity
CAD Trust runs on the Chia blockchain, which uses a proof-of-space-and-time consensus rather than proof-of-work — no GPU mining, and ARM-binary support for low-power hardware. Because it stores only metadata (not files), the compute and storage footprint is modest.
Layer 4Measuring Climate Outcomes
Measurable outcomes it facilitates
- Improved data quality or reduced uncertainty
- Carbon market participation, registry, or Article 6 readiness strengthened
- Climate data infrastructure, interoperability, or accessibility improved
Reach in numbers
12 registries connected (World Bank CATS, UNFCCC CDM, Verra, Gold Standard, and others) · 6.3 million dashboard visits · 650 dashboard accounts · 20+ governments trained · First government supported UNFCCC reporting (pilot).
Key performance & impact indicators
| Category | Indicator Name | Definition / Unit of Measurement | Data Source | Baseline (if available) | Most Recent Value | Reporting Frequency / Evidence Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross-cutting (data infrastructure, interoperability, digital MRV) | Registries connected | Count | CAD Trust | 12 | https://data.climateactiondata.org | |
| Cross-cutting (data infrastructure, interoperability, digital MRV) | Visits to the CAD Trust Data Dashboard | Count | CAD Trust | 6.3 million | Monthly, IT vendor | |
| Cross-cutting (data infrastructure, interoperability, digital MRV) | Accounts on the CAD Trust Data Dashboard | Count | CAD Trust | 650 | Monthly, IT vendor | |
| Cross-cutting (data infrastructure, interoperability, digital MRV) | Contributions to market-building | Resources or initiatives by international organizations and regulators we have inputted into | Various (see below) | 7 | See below | |
| Cross-cutting (data infrastructure, interoperability, digital MRV) | Governments trained on carbon market data models, interoperability, or introduced to carbon market activity through the CAD Trust | Count | World Bank, CAD Trust | 20+ | World Bank PMI (online trainings, Knowledge Forums) | |
| Climate Finance & Carbon Markets | Governments directly supported with UNFCCC reporting from the platform | Count | CAD Trust | 1 | CAD Trust (report not public on CARP yet) |
Deployment countries · 3 live
Bhutan, Singapore, Switzerland. Bhutan uses CAD Trust as the public interface of its national registry.
Adopting Organizations
Registries connected: World Bank (CATS), UNFCCC (CDM), Verra, Gold Standard, Global Carbon Council, Cercarbono, BioCarbon, Tero Carbon, Rainbow, Asia Carbon Institute, plus the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan and Switzerland. Active users include the Article 6 Implementation Partnership Centre. The World Bank and UNDP have referenced the data-model design; training has reached 20+ governments. Deployments with multiple governments and institutions are being scoped for 2027 (post v2.0 transition).
Evidence & Additional Resources · 12 sources
A live national registry, connection announcements, source code, standards leadership and independent recognition. See below for more details.
Evidence Sources
Most notable contributions to building standardized, connected carbon markets in late 2024-2026:
- Released an updated version of the data model powering our DPG: https://climateactiondata.org/cad-trust-launches-data-model-version-2-0/, completed infrastructure upgrades, started transitioning the connected registries
- Convened work and was lead author for the World Bank Carbon Markets Infrastructure Working Group Guidance Note on Enhancing Data and Systems Interoperability for Carbon Markets: https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/012a149a-80b5-4006-a520-89a8234bd891
- Supported the G20 SFWG effort to develop recommendations for a Common Carbon Credit Data Model under the South African presidency: https://assets.bbhub.io/company/sites/75/2025/10/Common-Carbon-Credit-Data-Model-Summary-of-Responses-to-Public-Consultation.pdf
- Contributed to the ICVCM's Continuous Improvement Work Program, specifically on data standardization and interoperability topics: https://icvcm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CIWP-Market-Transparency-Scalability-Standardisation-Report.pdf
- Contributed to the OECD / G7 Carbon Market Platform: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/06/exploring-governments-efforts-to-shape-carbon-credit-markets_dac6ff0f/0bafe9af-en.pdf
- Consulted UNIDROIT working group on the legal nature of verified carbon credits on topics of carbon registry interoperability.
- Started co-leading the development of a new ISO data standard: https://www.iso.org/standard/77780.html https://climateactiondata.org/iso-standard-for-carbon-data-model-under-development/
Evidence of Adoption
The Government of Bhutan uses CAD Trust as the public interface of their national registry:
Some of the registry connection announcements:
- https://climateactiondata.org/cad-trust-data-dashboard-is-live/
- https://climateactiondata.org/gold-standard-connects-to-the-cad-trust/
- https://climateactiondata.org/cad-trust-integrates-kingdom-of-bhutan-as-first-national-registry/
- https://climateactiondata.org/icroa-recommends-cad-trust/
- https://climateactiondata.org/world-banks-carbon-assets-tracking-system-connects-to-cad-trust/
Independent validation
The product owner has identified the following types of external validation applicable to this solution:
- Independent evaluation — external assessment of the solution’s technical design, climate alignment, or impact claims by an entity not involved in its development
- Government validation — real-world adoption, deployment, or formal endorsement by a national government authority — e.g. a ministry, designated national authority, or national meteorological service
The information above reflects the self-reported responses provided by the product owner as part of a structured compliance submission against the Framework for Identifying Digital Public Goods for Climate Action.
* Interoperability, Integration, and Adapters are evaluated in 5 levels:
Level 1 Isolated: Uses proprietary formats or hardcoded logic; requires custom "glue code" or manual conversion to work with external climate tools.
Level 2 Compatible: Data/software can be exported or integrated using common formats (e.g., CSV, JSON), but lacks automated synchronization or shared metadata.
Level 3 Standardized: Adheres to domain-specific standards (e.g., NetCDF/HDF5 for data, OGC APIs for software) but requires some configuration to link.
Level 4 Integrated: Uses machine-readable schemas and versioned APIs; external systems can "plug in" and pull climate variables without manual intervention.
Level 5 Ecosystem-Ready: Fully modular; follows "FAIR" principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and supports automated cross-platform workflows (e.g., a climate model automatically pulling from your dataset).
** Adoption readiness perspective is assessed in 5 levels:
Level 1 Experimental/Raw: The solution exists as "source material" only. It requires significant manual effort, custom scripts, or compilation to become functional. There is no automated setup, and the user must "build" the environment from scratch.
Level 2 Documented/Structured: The solution is organized and includes instructions. Requirements and dependencies are clearly listed, but the setup process is still manual.
Level 3 Portable / Containerized: The solution is "packaged." It uses industry-standard wrappers (e.g., Docker, Parquet, or Standardized Schemas) that allow it to run or be read in any standard environment with a single command or import.
Level 4 Orchestrated / Cloud-Optimized: The solution is designed for modern infrastructure. It includes "Infrastructure as Code" (e.g., Terraform, Helm, or Crawlable Data Catalogs) that allows for automated deployment into cloud environments (AWS/Azure/GCP) with built-in scaling and management.
Level 5 Productized / Plug-and-Play: It offers a zero-friction experience, such as a managed API, a Serverless function, or a Public Data Marketplace listing. A user can gain value or insights within minutes without managing any underlying infrastructure.
