UK-based nature restoration investor Oxygen Conservation has launched a new report, forecasting that UK premium carbon credits could reach $672 (£500) per tonne by 2050.
The report, titled Oxygen Conservation Carbon Curve 2025, positions high-quality, nature-based credits as not just a climate solution, but one of the most promising investment opportunities at the moment.
Based on insights from over 30 experts in finance, law, and natural capital, the report presents a 10-point plan to transform the UK voluntary carbon market (VCM) into a world-leading asset class.
Central to this vision is the rise of the so-called “premium carbon”—credits that go beyond carbon removal by delivering biodiversity and community benefits, commanding increasingly high prices.
UK credits have already reached $168/tonne in 2025, Oxygen Conservation further said.
Recent deals, such as Arup and Nattergal’s purchase of 10,000 credits at $134/tonne and Burges Salmon’s acquisition of 8,000 credits at 168/tonne, show that the 2050 price projection is realistic, it added.
Relevant: Burges Salmon Makes $1M+ Carbon Credit Purchase From Oxygen Conservation
The UK’s regulatory clarity, financial infrastructure, and environmental expertise place it in a strong position to lead globally.
The report calls for government action to solidify this leadership and support scaling nature-based solutions.
“Tackling climate change is the greatest challenge and greatest opportunity of our time,” Chris Winter of Oxygen Conservation said, adding that “the time to invest is now.”
CEO Rich Stockdale noted that markets tend to shift when confidence is backed by solid evidence—something he believes the Carbon Curve provides.
The report includes a pricing trajectory toward $672/tonne by 2050, a breakdown of carbon credit quality tiers, and a policy roadmap to establish the UK as a global climate finance leader.
Read more: UK To Integrate Carbon Removals Into ETS
