David Webb’s Post

Transaction announcement 🤝 3,000 metric tons on behalf of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) with Exomad Green (Biochar) At Carbonx Climate, our mission is to identify and drive investment to the most promising and scalable Carbon Removal initiatives. We are thrilled to share an update by solidifying our ongoing partnerships with Exomad Green and Boston Consulting Group (BCG), for whom we have facilitated the purchase of 3,000 tons of carbon removal, marking a significant stride in our collective mission. 🚀 Exomad Green is currently the largest producer of high quality biochar in the world. It transforms sustainable forestry residues into biochar. This product is then distributed to indigenous farming communities and medium-sized agricultural operations across the Bolivian lowlands. This initiative aims to rejuvenate degraded soils, thereby reducing deforestation driven by soil degradation near the country's most critical forests. “This collaboration with Carbonx, and BCG represents an important moment for Exomad Green, illustrating how impactful climate action is achievable through strategic alliances with significant market players. We are honored to contribute to this collective effort, eager to underscore the essential function of biochar in carbon capture, soil improvement, environmental justice, and deforestation reduction.” Diego Justiniano, CEO of Exomad Green "We are proud to partner with Exomad Green and Carbonx on this significant carbon removal initiative. Exomad's biochar production capabilities allow us to continue expanding our portfolio of carbon dioxide removals carbon credits. This collaboration reflects BCG's dedication to innovative and durable solutions to combat the climate crisis, our commitment to achieving net zero climate impact by 2030, and becoming climate positive thereafter.” David Webb, Chief Sustainability Officer of BCG “Following an in-depth technical and commercial review, Exomad's operational excellence and carbon integrity confirmed them as a great addition to BCG's portfolio, showcasing our shared commitment to permanent and climate-relevant solutions. Carbonx is equally thrilled about this partnership with BCG, as it strengthens our determination to drive scalable and sustainable environmental progress.” Paolo Piffaretti, CEO of Carbonx At Carbonx Climate, we have the privilege of working with leading CDR buyers in the industry and many high-impact carbon removal projects across a diverse spectrum of removal pathways. Together with our partners Exomad Green & Boston Consulting Group (BCG), we’re bringing carbon removal to climate relevance! 🌎 Stay tuned for more updates and communication from Carbonx #CDR #Biochar #PartnershipUpdate #ClimateAction #Exomad #BCGNetZero #Carbonx

It is a privilege to witness such meaningful partnerships unfold within the #CarbonRemoval space. This partnership between Exomad Green, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Carbonx Climate demonstrates our determination to foster collective effort and strategic alliances in driving critical climate action. Through partnerships like these, we are setting a precedent for future collaborations that aim at concrete, scalable solutions to combat climate change. Proud of what we achieved together and energised for what is to come. #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #CollaborationForChange

Kelp Blue now among 20 finalists for the XPRIZE carbon removal competition …Luderitz based company vying for N$923 million grand prize Kelp Blue, an innovative seaweed company that seeks to restore marine biodiversity and promote carbon sequestration to support a healthier ocean ecosystem, has been named as one of 20 finalists by the XPRIZE Carbon Removal Competition. The XPRIZE is a four-year US$100 million global competition that is one of the largest incentive prizes in history. It is open to innovators and teams that can create and demonstrate solutions that pull carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere or oceans and sequester it durably and sustainably. The 20 finalists will vie for a US$50 million grand prize (about N$923 million) to be announced in 2025. Founded in 2020, Kelp Blue is at the forefront of developing innovative and sustainable solutions based on the cultivation of giant kelp. From its primary operations based in Luderitz, Namibia, the company is focused on addressing important global challenges such as climate change, marine biodiversity loss, and job creation—inspired by the global shift towards sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. https://lnkd.in/deXWfCsR

Bharat's message during the COP33 journey emphasizes a fundamental shift in approach towards addressing pressing environmental challenges. For our nation, Bharat's COP33 represents an opportunity for transformative change, a journey where nations can unite as One Family to collectively strive towards identifying and implementing sustainable solutions. This unified effort aims to address the root causes of challenges affecting both ecology and economy with the ultimate goal of preserving our only One Earth for a sustainable One Future. For instance, if the soil is undergoing desertification and erosion, traditional approaches focuses on finding alternative sources of soil or implementing erosion control measures. However, our Bharat advocates for a more holistic and regenerative approach. One such innovative solution involves leveraging the power of mycelial mats. Mycelial mats are dense networks of fungal mycelium, the root-like structures of fungi which play a crucial role in soil health and ecosystem regeneration. These mats have the remarkable ability to enhance soil structure, retain moisture and facilitate nutrient cycling. Additionally, certain species of fungi within the mycelium have symbiotic relationships with plants aiding in their growth and resilience to environmental stressors. By incorporating mycelial mats into soil restoration efforts, Bharat addresses the root causes of desertification and erosion. Rather than simply mitigating the symptoms of degraded soil, mycelial mats promote soil regeneration by: Soil Stabilization: Mycelial mats bind soil particles together, reducing erosion caused by wind and water. This stabilizes the soil and prevents further degradation. Moisture Retention: The dense network of fungal hyphae within mycelial mats acts like a sponge, absorbing and retaining moisture in the soil. This helps to combat desertification by creating a more hospitable environment for plant growth. Nutrient Cycling: Fungi in mycelial mats decompose organic matter and mineralize nutrients making them more available to plants. This enhances soil fertility and supports vegetation further preventing desertification. Biodiversity Promotion: Mycelial mats create microhabitats within the soil that support a diverse range of organisms including bacteria, protozoa and other fungi. This fosters biodiversity and contributes to ecosystem resilience. Carbon Sequestration: The fungi within mycelial mats capture carbon from the atmosphere, integrating it into their biomass and storing it within the soil. This process aids in combating climate change by lessening greenhouse gas emissions. Bharat's emphasis on regeneration over mere mitigation in soil restoration, utilizing mycelial mats is in harmony with sustainability principles and ecosystem resilience. Through platforms like COP33, Bharat endeavors to advocate for these innovative solutions worldwide fostering collaboration and collective efforts towards a sustainable future.

This is an enlighting study. We have been concerned about the actual impact of REDD+ and Nature-Based Solution initiatives on real reduction or avoidance of deforestation. A case study shows that REDD+/NBS, when properly carried out, can indeed avoid deforestation.

As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, investing in natural capital has emerged as a critical priority, evolving into a distinct asset class. This investment sector, historically linked to agriculture, timber, mining, and ocean-related activities, now shifts focus towards sustainability with revenue streams like carbon credits, biodiversity benefits, and conservation easements. Natural capital includes the planet’s resources—land, air, water, soil, minerals and organisms—playing a vital role in enhancing environmental and social benefits while mitigating land use damage. Despite its importance, only 0.2% of global assets are allocated to natural capital, significantly below what is required according to the UNEP-WCMC, which estimates a need to double investments into protecting our natural world. Fortunately, the investment landscape is evolving rapidly, with more than 50 asset management firms active in natural capital, often running multiple strategies: forestry/timberland funds, agriculture funds or, more recently, nature-based solutions. Investors searching for natural capital strategies can involve different return strategies: some will seek stable cash flows, others high annualised returns or capital preservation. Nature-based solutions are projects that protect and restore nature to reduce GHG emissions, store carbon and produce returns through carbon credits. However, the speculative nature of future carbon credit pricing presents both risks and opportunities. To mitigate these, NatureRe Capital AG leverages in-house expertise and external data for robust pricing analysis, ensuring resilient investments. Predictions suggest the Voluntary Carbon Market to grow from USD 2 billion to USD 50 billion in 2030, driven by demand for high-quality carbon credits (Taskforce on Scaling Voluntary Carbon Markets). Currently, 32 funds are aiming to secure 19 billion dollars in equity commitments, with 16% of these funds focusing exclusively on generating returns from carbon revenues. Asset managers often emphasise their commitment to producing high-quality credits, which only make up 10% of projects, and are expected to fetch higher prices in the future (Carbon Direct). NatureRe Capital AG, focuses on nature-based solutions that not only remove carbon but restore ecosystems and address water security and human wellbeing, engaging local communities to enhance project quality and sustainability. We believe that restoring ecosystems is not only a moral imperative but also a compelling business opportunity considering 50% of global economic output is moderately or highly dependent on natural capital (World Economic Forum). We bring together investors, corporate off-takers, and biodiversity experts to restore nature at scale and allow depleted land to regenerate, turning ecosystem regeneration into a high-yield business model. Join us and be part of the solution, invest in nature, restore biodiversity and remove carbon at scale. 

We are proud to announce that Acadian has officially joined the United Nations Global Compact as part of our commitment to being a responsible and sustainable company. This commitment means we must operate responsibly, in alignment with universal sustainability principles, take actions to support society, and report to the UN Global Compact annually on our ongoing efforts. We fully support the UN’s mission to mobilize a global movement of sustainable companies and stakeholders to create the world we want. As Jean-Paul Deveau, President and CEO of our company explains: “We know that being a global leader in seaweed harvesting, cultivation, and extraction is a privilege that carries immense responsibilities. We are proud to work collaboratively with environment and business experts to continue to establish a robust and sustainable seaweed industry worldwide.” Read our official announcement and see how we are taking our sustainability progress to the next level: https://bit.ly/3SptOrD  #agriculture #sustainability #UNGlobalCompact

A new Nature Sustainability study examines the benefits of the Gola project, a large-scale REDD+ project in Sierra Leone that is registered with Verra's Verified Carbon Standard Program. The researchers found that this REDD+ project slowed deforestation by 30%, leading to 340,000 tCO2 of avoided emissions per year. The article, “Evaluating the impacts of a large-scale voluntary REDD+ project in Sierra Leone,” was authored by Mandy Malan, Rachel Carmenta, Elisabeth Gsottbauer, Paul Hofman, Andreas Kontoleon, Tom Swinfield, and Maarten Voors. Read more: https://bit.ly/3wgrJW6 #REDD #ClimateAction #CarbonMarkets #CarbonCredits

Study published in Nature finds causal relation of REDD project to reduce deforestation by 30% through systematic testing of comparable sites without intervention (Adapted from Quantum Commodity Intelligence): A study, authored by Mandy Malan et al. and published in the Nature Sustainability journal last month, conducted a causal impact assessment of the Gola REDD+ project in Sierra registered under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS1201) to assess its environmental and socio-economic impacts five years after implementation.  https://lnkd.in/gSsKQ_bw The study found that the scheme has reduced deforestation by 30% in targeted communities, “which equates to avoiding the loss of 929 hectares of forest on a yearly basis”, the author added. “This suggests not only that the project is delivering but that it is also relatively cost-effective in creating carbon savings,” Gsottbauer said. The assessment involved the collection of “multiple rounds” of household surveys and satellite data covering the 126 communities receiving project interventions, said Gsottbauer, one of the authors of the study. It also compared the communities that received interventions with 202 communities that did not “but were otherwise comparable in terms of their size, location or accessibility”. “Overall, our independent causal impact evaluation offers robust evidence that well-designed and implemented voluntary forest carbon projects can achieve meaningful environment benefits without hampering local economic incomes,” said Gsottbauer. “As voluntary carbon markets boom, ensuring that credible evidence underpins offset credits will require impact assessment processes that are both transparent and cost-effective to scale up," she explained, adding that "single evaluations like ours have value and offer a methodological way forward but their scope cannot match market growth.”

Ignore those who say a successful carbon market would be "an excuse to pollute". That is nonsense, as it would only cover a fraction of emmissions (much less than those we cannot avoid). We can (and should) do both: reduce AND offset emmissions. This is particularly true of those offsets which help protect the planet's most important ecosystems, the biodiversity within, and the livelihoods of the people who inhabit them. Don't forget, if deforestation was a country, it would be the third largest emitter. 📊A $100bn carbon market would reduce and avoid 1.2 billion tonnes of CO2e/year annually. About 3% of current global emissions (a paper in Nature found substantial levels of residual emissions -defined as those planned to remain after implementing net-zero- to be on average 18% of current emissions for Annex I countries) 📉It would support 12.4 million jobs in forestry, nearly 3 million in sustainable agriculture, 310,000 in renewables, and 50,000 in adjacent industries. 🌳 It would support 150 million hectares (1.5m km2), equivalent to 30% of global forest loss since 2000 and larger than Peru, or approximately 3x France or Spain. Those who criticise are letting their anti market ideology prevent their brains from doing basic math, or have more sinister motives.