The idea in headlines such as the one shown below, that carbon credits will not reduce emissions (from a Wall Street Journal* article) is a way to doubt the good work that credit programs can achieve.
Yes, it is true that carbon credits aren't likely to have an impact on the emissions and behavior of major emitters. This is particularly true in contrast to the earnings that result from the production of fossil fuels. It is probable that the use of cheaper renewables will over time result in greater impact over taxing carbon emissions.
The present emissions issue is serious. But, to fully understand the importance of carbon credits we must stop looking at income statements, and instead examine the balance sheet. The Carbon Debt we have in the long-term.
If Planet Earth were to maintain an account of its Balance Sheet, and we were required to record on our Asset column the basic needs we have including food security, physical security, availability of water, etc... as well as also in our Long Team debt entries, we would list the accrued amounts of greenhouse gases, the extreme level of organic carbon in soil depletion from our farmlands, and the astonishing extent of degrading our most efficient carbon storage areas - the coastal mangrove forests and mangrove forests. It's clear from any analysis of that balance sheet that our present predicament is not the result of just one year's emissions: if the balance sheet of a business were to reflect this statement, insolvency would surely be on the agenda.
It is because of this that I believe that any article that mentions carbon offsets or emission reduction is false. The issues we are experiencing in relation to climate change aren't just the result of carbon emissions, but also decades (centuries). Poor agricultural practices are a major problem as is widespread deforestation, mangrove loss, along with a multitude of other crimes.
How much damage has been caused? The mangrove forests of 50 to 65% have either disappeared completely or are severely damaged. Numerous farms across the globe have lost as much as 80% of their organic matter from soil up to the point that food security is at risk.
This is the reason it's essential to shift our focus away from the triple-bottom line, and instead focus on the credit that is accrued on the balance sheet. Carbon credits can be considered as a "balance sheet item for adjustment" which is related to the total debt and is not just a tax on current emissions. Carbon credits can be used to decrease (carbon-related) debt.
What can we do to decrease the amount of debt?
It's not hard to discover the answer. Here's an illustration. CarbonNation BLUE is a CarbonNation fund. The fund's focus is one basic, but effective goal: to restore and protect mangroves. Mangrove forests require significant investment to ensure they can Check out this site grow. For instance, a 15,000-hectare forest which needs to be replanted will require between USD2,500 and US4,500 for each hectare. It also requires three years of meticulous cultivation by the local communities.
Further, nearby onshore fisheries are required to be equipped with more effective algae-based filtering solutions so that the nitrogen as well as waste phosphorus produced can be eliminated, as well as the quality of the food improved.
As the forest grows over the next few years and the algae plants begin to grow, carbon credits become accessible. They could be used to provide an investment return, as well as a return on the principal to community investors. The benefits are more than just financial benefits. A greater mangrove cover means more fish, which is a major source of income for many coastal communities.
Better protection from rising tides and coastal erosion is feasible with greater mangroves. In fact, as most people are aware that mangroves provide up to 50x better carbon sequestration rates than lower density forests. Yes, machines pulling carbon from the atmosphere and storage it underground are stunningly futuristic-looking - but mangroves have been doing it for thousands of years and even providing us with food for the same amount of time.
The Fund has received substantial contributions and partnerships to support its work. Partners are encouraged to connect.
This article is well written and well-researched. My issue is with its headline which is negative and misleading. It is based on the text of the article and could be altered or added by the editor.