This report analyzes how carbon markets can be designed to help economies reach ambitious emission reduction goals and generate the financing needed to scale up climate action and build a resilient future. Designed as a framework for policymakers, it examines the current state of international and domestic carbon markets, delves into legal and policy issues, and explains how informed policy choices can be made when designing national strategies for carbon markets under the Paris Agreement. It assesses the opportunities and challenges with carbon markets, and shares insights on how high-integrity carbon markets can underpin the transition towards a low-carbon economy as countries transition towards net zero.