Georg Caspary

A fascinating categorization of #CDR in an article exploring the "#CDR #emissions gap" in the latest edition of Nature Climate Change: > Conventional CDR on land: This includes #afforestation, in which trees are planted when previously there were none, and #reforestation, which means restoring areas where the trees have been cut down or degraded. > Novel CDR: This includes all CDR methods that are not based on #forestry and #landuse change, such as #biochar, #directaircapture (#DAC) and #bioenergy with #carboncapture and storage (BECCS). I understand this grouping, but I would argue that categorizing #CDR by Engineered Solution and #NatureBased solution might be more telling. I suspect it allows a more accurate assessment of scalability and #CarbonInvestmentEfficiency (#CIE). https://lnkd.in/gzTdydN3

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As we stand on the brink of crossing critical carbon budget thresholds, new estimates are emerging, suggesting we’ve got more time than previously thought to limit global warming to 1.5C. But this timing raises questions. Why now, just as we seem poised to exceed these limits? Should we approach these updates with gratitude for the clarity they offer, or skepticism about the influence they may wield over action (or inaction) on climate commitments? Read the analysis and decide for yourself: https://lnkd.in/g865PsEK #ClimateAction #CarbonBudget #NetZero #ClimateScience #Sustainability #1point5 #gigacorn #gigacornhunter #decarbonization #cop29 #baku

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Obviously Sylvera is a competitor of my company and I've been hesitant to directly criticize them. For one thing, they have some pretty cool science. But this comment by the CEO of Sylvera has really gotten under my skin. In it, he's essentially siding with a large project developer/investor and calling for non-profits to stop reporting on carbon projects that have problems. I couldn't disagree with this stance more. Reporters and under-funded NGOs are the only real check that the carbon industry has on bad behavior. Reporting over the last two years has played a critical role in pushing the carbon markets to adopt better practices. Often times NGO reports (such as the recent Human Rights Watch report on Southern Cardamoms) are the only means of getting projects re-examined and preventing further human rights and environmental abuses. Apart from this, my company takes great pride in maintaining independence from the people that we're supposed to be evaluating. I think that's really essential to ensuring that our customers get a fair understanding of what's going on inside these carbon projects. My company's first allegiance is to our customers to ensure that they don't buy bad offsets, then to the public. We have no allegiance to the carbon markets, and we don't strive to "Restore confidence in the carbon markets" (a tagline I saw on a Sylvera pamphlet at a recent conference). We simply report it as it is. Confidence will be restored in the carbon markets when they start to behave better. When that happens, Renoster's ratings of the market will improve and reporters/non-profits will report on other things. I strongly hope that carbon offsets "work", that they can be made to work. Many of them do! But not enough. I wouldn't have devoted so much of my career to them otherwise. That's only going to happen with transparency and oversight in part from reporters, non-profits, and impartial ratings agencies. https://lnkd.in/g4gnGjgi

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🏷️ The Core Carbon Principles: A Big Step for Carbon Markets 🌍 Acronym alert... there are a lot of acronyms below, but bear with me. The Core Carbon Principles (CCP) from the The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) are shaping up to be a step towards some much needed standardisation. The move to apply grant the CCP stamp to the benchmark approach to nature restoration (the VM47 methodology for afforestation, reforrestation and revegetation) is a key step in simplify the job of corporates and governments. Why does this matter? ✅ Simplification for buyers: The CCP label standardizes the market, making it easier for buyers to identify and trust high-quality credits. ✅ Pathway to Article 6: The CCP label aligns with international frameworks, setting the stage for credits to play a role in global carbon trading under Article 6. ✅ Increased credibility: Applying the CCP label to key carbon removal project types strengthens trust and transparency across the market. Verra have outlined the requirements and procedures here: https://lnkd.in/deSQBbc9' For us at Terra, this is significant. Projects being developed under VM47 comprises a significant part of the afforestation and reforestation projects we finance, and the CCP label simplifies the rules of engagement for buyers. #CarbonMarkets #Sustainability #Afforestation #ICVCM #NatureBasedSolutions #Verra

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Is The Fortune 500 the answer to climate financing? It’s estimated that $15 billion is needed annually to fight deforestation [1], yet in 2022, forest protection efforts received just 2.2% of global climate-related financing. [2] If all Fortune 500 companies purchased carbon credits to offset their emissions, we could generate $25 billion annually for environmental efforts, drastically changing the game for deforestation and climate action. [3] Here’s why it matters: 🌲 Deforestation: A significant contributor to global emissions, yet massively underfunded. 🌲 Indigenous Communities: The unsung heroes of conservation, guarding 80% of the world’s biodiversity. Properly funded, they can do even more. 🌲 Carbon Removal Technologies: Essential for hitting net-zero targets. Investments here are investments in our planet’s future. These are the pillars that can support a thriving natural capital market. It’s about making every dollar count towards a sustainable future. Data sources: [1] LSE: What is the role of deforestation in climate change and how can 'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation' (REDD+) help? [2],[3] Visual Capitalist: Visualizing the Forest Funding Gap Relative to Emissions

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James Balzer, MSusDev MPP William Fison Invest Paraná 🌍 Voluntary Carbon Markets: Key to Accelerating Climate Action Ahead of COP30 🌱 As we approach COP30, the role of voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) is gaining increasing attention as a critical tool in advancing global climate goals. VCMs offer an opportunity for organizations, governments, and individuals to offset emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases, such as reforestation, renewable energy, and community-driven sustainability initiatives. Why VCMs Matter: 1️⃣ Driving Net-Zero Goals: VCMs enable businesses and nations to complement internal emission reductions, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. With the growing urgency to achieve net-zero targets, VCMs can act as a bridge for carbon neutrality while long-term innovations mature. 2️⃣ Boosting Local and Indigenous Economies: Projects supported by VCMs often involve grassroots and Indigenous communities, bringing vital resources to enhance sustainable livelihoods, preserve biodiversity, and integrate traditional knowledge into conservation efforts. 3️⃣ Accelerating Innovation: Investments in carbon markets incentivize advancements in carbon capture and storage technologies, regenerative agriculture, and other cutting-edge solutions essential for tackling climate change. Challenges to Address: ⚠️ Transparency and Accountability Ensuring robust methodologies to avoid greenwashing remains a priority. Standardized verification and monitoring frameworks are essential to maintain trust and effectiveness. ⚠️ Equity and Access Global South nations and vulnerable communities must have equitable access to benefits, with clear mechanisms to prevent exploitation or mismanagement. ⚠️ Complementary, Not Substitute VCMs should supplement, not replace, comprehensive emission reduction strategies. The priority remains systemic transformation across industries. Building Momentum at COP30: COP30 will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of VCMs. By fostering collaboration, introducing guidelines for transparency, and integrating Indigenous and local knowledge into carbon project designs, stakeholders can enhance the impact and credibility of these markets. Discussions are expected to emphasize scaling up VCMs without compromising social and environmental integrity. At the Global Sustainable Futures Network (GSFN) we continue to advocate for inclusive and impactful climate solutions, including exploring the potential of VCMs to create a just transition for all. Let’s use this moment to push for transparent, innovative, and equitable carbon markets that truly support global climate goals. 💬 What role do you see for voluntary carbon markets in achieving net-zero? Share your thoughts below!

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When consultants for the SBTI have asked me my opinion about carbon offsets, my go-to talking point is usually: "I really think they could work and many of them do if you're being very discerning, but I don't think it'd be responsible to accept the carbon markets at large right now." I genuinely believe the path forward for this market is a truth and reconciliation process. This industry needs to stop pretending that it can throw some band-aids on a bad system and the markets will recover. We need to go through ALL the old credits issued historically and purge them from the books if they were wrongly issued. Elsewise the hits are just going to keep coming from old stinkers. We need to have a real think on how the system can be re-built, rethinking payment structures and conflicts of interest (like verifiers being hired by project developers). We need to re-think all of the methodologies from a defensive perspective. We need to mandate public budget disclosures and revenue sharing minimums. Most of all we need to welcome critics into the fold, rather than attacking and ostracizing them. You can't ostracize the scientific community. This could be the carbon industry's come-to-jesus moment. Honestly though, in the past year and a half since the Guardian article, mostly the industry has doubled-down and put its head in the sand. Unwilling to address the beefy problems in the market. The situation isn't going to get better until we make carbon credits better. That's on us.

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What if I told you that you could learn a lot about making your own sustainability strategy by looking at Coldplay? You must be thinking: Yeah, because nothing says "cutting-edge environmental innovation" like a band that’s been making the same four-chords carbon-neutral since 2000! (Just a joke) But stay with me. They know what they are doing on and off the stage. With their ongoing “Music of the Spheres” tour, Coldplay has shown how sustainability can be at the core of a global enterprise while also strengthening a brand. Here’s why Coldplay’s climate action is a great business move: 1. Walking the talk on Sustainability Coldplay has committed to reducing the carbon emissions of their tour by 50%, incorporating: Renewable energy-powered concerts Biodegradable wristbands for fans Planting one tree for every ticket sold This bold step resonates with the global push for more responsible business practices, building authenticity with a growing base of eco-conscious consumers. 2. Attracting the right audience Consumers, especially younger generations, are increasingly loyal to brands and businesses that align with their values. Coldplay’s climate-conscious actions appeal directly to this demographic, creating deeper fan engagement and strengthening their brand loyalty. Research says over 70% of Gen Z actively seek to minimize their environmental impact, and around 60% say they would pay more for sustainable products and services, even if their current financial situations limit them. Only 5 years until there's over 50% with that kind of mindset (that's when genZ will make up about 50% of the entire world population). 💰 3. Enhancing Brand Equity & Differentiation In a competitive industry, Coldplay is differentiating itself not just through music, but by leading on sustainability. They’ve positioned themselves as innovators, which enhances their brand value and opens doors to partnerships with environmentally-focused organizations. Reinvent or die. 4. Financial Efficiency through Sustainability While the upfront costs of sustainable touring might be higher, Coldplay is future-proofing their business. From lower energy costs to long-term savings from eco-friendly practices, they’re preparing for a future where sustainability is non-negotiable for businesses. 5. Setting Industry Standards By being one of the first major bands to take climate action seriously, Coldplay is setting an example for the broader music and entertainment industries. This gives them a leadership position that not only benefits the planet but also enhances their influence within the sector. Coldplay’s commitment to climate action isn’t just about being green—it’s a strategic, long-term business decision that builds loyalty, differentiates their brand, and prepares them for the future. I’ve seen many companies already take the same bath but trust me there’s room for so many more. #ClimateAction #Sustainability #CorporateResponsibility #NetZero

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Bill McKibben's latest post on the impact of climate change on economies resonates with me. We have seen major climate disasters in recent years, and it's clear that they are not just impacting local economies but also global ones. It's concerning that big businesses continue to resist change, despite the long-term economic benefits of sustainable practices. Why do some businesses choose to churn through resources when it's ultimately bad for their bottom line and branding? Sustainable solutions are the way forward, and the data shows that they ultimately provide better returns. By using resources sustainably, we can ensure the longevity of our brands and economies. It's time for businesses to shift their thinking and embrace climate change solutions. Short-sightedness and small-minded thinking will only lead to further danger for all of us. Let's work together towards a sustainable future. #climatechange #solar #batterystorage #DER #climatechangesolutions #decarbonization

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🌍 Voluntary Carbon Markets: The New Integrity Guidelines Have Arrived, and They’re Not Here to Play Nice 🌱   2024 rolled out the red carpet for a new set of integrity guidelines in Voluntary Carbon Markets (#VCMs), and let’s just say they’re more “Mission Impossible” than “Jurassic Park.” Gone are the days of tiptoeing around like a Velociraptor in the kitchen.. now it’s all about high stakes, impossible odds, and one wrong move could have you free-falling without a parachute.   Some investment banks are still clinging to outdated practices like Tom Cruise clinging to the side of an airplane...The difference? Tom always pulls it off. You, on the other hand, might be holding onto low-quality carbon credits that are about as effective as a self-destructing message. (Watched ‘Mission Impossible’ late last night, so please forgive the buffet of references)   And what about those transparency efforts? If they’re anything less than crystal clear, they’re basically the cinematic equivalent of a lens flare in a J.J. Abrams film..distracting and totally unnecessary. Unfortunately, this isn’t a movie where everything magically works out in the end. #Greenwashing is the villain lurking in the shadows, and it’s gunning for you. If you’re caught with #carbon credits that don’t do what they say on the tin, expect a PR explosion bigger than the one in “Die Hard.”   I #empathise with the fact that these standards are tough & the stakes are high. Why not become the hero of this story? Embrace the challenge, evolve, and show the world that you’re not just in the sustainability game, you’re rewriting the script.   We help you to navigate these treacherous terrains without getting caught in a plot twist you didn’t see coming. Together, we can turn those flimsy processes into robust, transparent systems that not only meet but exceed the new guidelines. Think of it as your blockbuster moment, without the CGI.   So, if you’re ready to stop playing the background extra and start headlining your own success story, let’s connect. The future of sustainable finance is here, don’t let it go the way of yesterday’s box office flop. 🌟   #Sustainability #VCM #InvestmentBanking #ESG #Consulting #CarbonMarkets #LeadTheCharge #Integrity #EthicalLeadership #RiseIQ #empatheticleadership

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People often discuss the increasing 'converge' of verified carbon market and compliance mechanisms like an ETS or carbon tax. But what does it mean in practice? 🤔 Well, real-time carbon credit retirement data (thanks as usual to ClearBlue Markets) give a concrete example. Overnight, 1.5 million tonnes of carbon credits were retired to meet tax payers' obligations under the South African Carbon Tax. 🇿🇦 1.2 million of those were cookstove credits. Here's how it happens: 👉 Section 13 of the SA Carbon Tax Act provides for a carbon offset allowance, whereby tax payers may reduce the amount of carbon tax payable by utilising carbon offsets. 💵 👉 Offset credits must be from a credible standard (UN, Verra or Gold Standard) and projects must be approved by the Minister. ✅️ 👉 The tax payer buys the credits and sends a retirement instruction to the relevant Government department and is issued a certificate confirming the granted offset requirement. 📃 At least that's how the paperwork happens. In the real world: 👉 The offset project directly finances thousands of clean, safe cooking devices for some of the world's most vulnerable people. 👉 The use of these devices - replacing unsafe and inefficient three stone fires - reduces CO2 emissions and deforestation and improves air quality, health, education & employment opportunities for families. 👉 The tax payer still has an incentive to decarbonise, because the only way to avoid the pollution tax liability completely is to avoid the pollution completely. 🏭 Similar "tax+offset" initiatives are underway around the world - think Colombia🇨🇴, Singapore🇸🇬, Australia🇦🇺 to name just three - and will become increasingly prevalent as we enter the second half of this critical decade. 🌍 That's a good thing. 👍

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Today's debate: Carrots vs. Sticks—What's more effective at driving decarbonization? 🌍 There are always mixed opinions in the climate world. On one side, climate advocates push for strict laws that mandate decarbonization and environmental disclosures. For example, Europe's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will soon require companies to disclose the carbon footprint of products they import into the EU, with penalties for high-carbon (i.e., more polluting) goods. Conversely, companies want incentives like tax breaks, grants, easy financing, and subsidies to make decarbonization less costly. A great example is the U.S. government's significant tax breaks for companies investing in renewable energy or subsidies to customers buying Tesla (an electric car). At the heart of this debate is the reality of a market-driven world. Until customers start demanding low-carbon, sustainable products, companies have little reason to overhaul their business models — even if it's the right thing to do. So, the big question is: What's more effective—carrots (incentives) or sticks (penalties)? In truth, it's never either-or. It's a combination of both. In most economies, governments play a crucial role in designing incentives and penalties to push companies towards sustainability. Carrots are great for promoting desired behaviors, such as sparking innovation or offsetting the costs of greener practices until they become the norm. Think of it this way: would you need a subsidy to buy a Tesla if it became the most affordable option due to mass production and had widespread charging infrastructure? Probably not. Thus, carrots help get things moving until they reach critical mass. But sticks are just as important to discourage undesirable behavior. Imagine the government imposing a 100% tax on gas-guzzling trucks like the RAM 1500 or F150. Would it lead to more Cybertruck sales? Maybe, maybe not, but it would definitely curb the appetite for those big gas hogs. Ultimately, governments need to take a clear, decisive stance—one that will be inevitably shaped by a mix of voices: from innovative businesses and customers to nonprofits, advocacy groups, and, yes, even corporate lobbies. Because, let's face it, doing the right thing is rarely easy and requires every tactic. #Decarbonization #Sustainability #ClimateAction #GreenIncentives #EnvironmentalRegulations #Discloures #ESG

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Great piece by Shely Aronov! "I believe Climate Inc. often means trying to convince corporations to pay for things that don’t benefit their bottom line. That’s why many climate startups struggle as they look for revenues: Corporations want concrete benefits, not the more diffuse value of helping the planet. Over-indexing on sustainability helps founders raise capital from climate investors, but they are the only group willing to allocate capital to the cause." I would just add that savvy climate tech VCs are definitely investing in startups that make wide commercial adoption & customer obsession key tenets while building their companies. #climatetech #climateVC #startups

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Policymakers must urgently adopt and scale the most effective strategies tailored to their specific regional and sectoral contexts. The path to a sustainable, low-carbon future is clear, but it demands swift and informed action.

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For data wonks at #ClimateWeekNYC & #UNGA starting today, this article 👇 covers the biggest disruption underway in #CarbonAccounting ... and debunks the #FalseChoice presented elsewhere in the media. Here's a teaser: "Carbon accounting is evolving rapidly – it’s becoming #easier 😉, #faster 🏃‍♀️, #cheaper 💸, and more #accurate 🎯. In fact, it’s becoming radically simple. If you've ever tried using traditional methods – or outsourced the task – you’d be forgiven for thinking that “carbon accounting” and "radically simple" don’t fit together. But the reality is, a new playbook is emerging – a fundamental paradigm shift. "This shift mirrors the transformation initiated by the advent of low-cost digital cameras, which revolutionized the way we capture photos and videos. Digital image capture didn’t just change the way we take pictures – it opened a whole new world of possibilities that were once confined to the realms of science fiction. Today, grandparents regularly join their grandchild’s birthday party via digital video call from halfway around the world. "A similarly profound change is now underway in carbon accounting. Yet, as with any disruption, not everyone is on board at the start. Dissenting voices range from constructive criticism to staunch rebuke, presenting this as a false choice." ... 👀 Read the rest here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dSDDkTCc 🚀 Take advantage of this disruption - upgrade your carbon accounting solution now 👉 www.neoni-app.com #ClimateAction #NetZero #CBAM #CarbonEmissions #Sustainability E-liability Institute , Forum Europe

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The Case for a Carbon Tax to Cut Carbon #Pollution and Create #Jobs: https://j.mp/3bolxMj The concept of a carbon tax was actually created over a hundred years ago by British economist Arthur Pigou in 1912, who formulated the idea that market activities with harmful societal effects or externalities, should be taxed proportionately to the harm caused. Under a carbon tax, the government sets a price that manufacturers or emitters must pay for each ton of greenhouse gas emissions they emit as they burn fossil fuels, during the production process. The tax can be levied at any point in the energy supply chain but the simplest is to levy the tax ‘upstream’ or closest to the point of initial use of the fossil fuels such as, suppliers of coal, natural gas processing facilities, and oil refineries. The tax can also be levied ‘midstream’ at electric utilities companies or ‘downstream’, at energy-using industries, households, or vehicles. It is assumed that downstream consumers will look for less alternatives, such as switching fuels or adopting new renewable technologies, to avoid paying the surcharge on more carbon intensive products. In this way, it is expected to encourage a grass roots change in what kinds of products are chosen and used by the ultimate consumer. Read on to think through some of the arguments for and against - and feel welcome to express your opinion of course. #carbontax #carbon #energy #emissions #economy #business #fossilfuels #environment #sustainability #incentives #tax #renewableenergy #bipartisan @GibMetcalf @TuftsUniversity #GHGs #SDGs #sustainability

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