Julian OliverJan 18, 2023

A nine-month investigation undertaken by the Guardian, Die Zeit and SourceMaterial found that 90% of rainforest offsets from the world's biggest provider are worthless "phantom credits". Bought by the likes of Disney, Shell, easyJet and Gucci, it seems they may even do more harm to our environment than good.

Videos taken by residents in Peru showed forced evictions, and their homes cut down with chainsaws for an offset project.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jan/18/revealed-forest-carbon-offsets-biggest-provider-worthless-verra-aoe

Revealed: more than 90% of rainforest carbon offsets by biggest certifier are worthless, analysis shows

Investigation into Verra carbon standard finds most are ‘phantom credits’ and may worsen global heating

The Guardian
Show threadJulian OliverJan 18, 2023
Swear the carbon offset market has the same dark whiffs of 'crypto'
Show threadDave Lane  🇳🇿
@JulianOliver I'm wondering if you've read Kim Stanley Robinson's "The Ministry for the future"? I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on some of the ideas he puts forward there (apropos to your musing)
Jan 18, 2023 at 10:59pmWeb
Show threadJulian OliverJan 18, 2023
@lightweight I haven't - on my list. Looking forward! (I edited this reply, as it was too bleak prior)
Show threadDave Lane  🇳🇿Jan 18, 2023
@JulianOliver didn't see the prior version (was preparing lunch) but heh, yeah, there's a bit of bleak going around these days.