A Distributed Ledger Architecture for Mitigating Emissions Leakage and Double Counting of Carbon Credits in the Amazon

• Mateus Bastos UFPA https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5621-6528
• Alan Veloso RNP https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0905-0771
• Antônio Abelém UFPA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4085-6674

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/cblockchain.2026.23515

Abstract

This article proposes a permissioned blockchain-based architecture to strengthen the integrity of forest carbon credits in the Amazon. Credits are programmatically issued and retired through smart contracts on the blockchain network, reducing the risk of double counting and enhancing traceability. The validation included performance testing of the smart contracts. The results indicate the technical feasibility of the architecture to increase transparency in voluntary carbon markets.

References

Guardian 2023 Guardian, T. (2023). Revealed: more than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets by biggest certifier are worthless, analysis shows. The Guardian. [link]. Acesso em: 28 de Maio. 2025.

Imprensa Nacional 2024 Imprensa Nacional (2024). Lei nº 15.042, de 11 de dezembro de 2024 - dou - imprensa nacional. [link].

United Nations 2025 United Nations (2025). UNFCCC. Disponível em: [link]. Acesso em: 11 jun. 2025.

Uruatapera 2025 Uruatapera (2025). Ong denuncia violações de direitos no sistema de redd+ do pará. [link] Acesso em: 26 jun. 2025.

Yang and Park 2025 Yang, D. and Park, H. (2025). Integrity challenges in carbon markets: Comparing unfccc and voluntary redd+ verification in the amazon biome. Environmental Science & Policy, 169:104080.