A carbon credit is a certificate representing one tonne of carbon dioxide (or an equivalent greenhouse gas emission) that has been removed or kept from the air.
Carbon is naturally occurring, and one of the most common atoms on earth and in our atmosphere. It is essential to all life. However, too much carbon dioxide (and other particles and gasses like methane and nitrous oxide) in the air traps heat in the atmosphere and causes changes in the global climate.
As with many things in life, what you put into something determines what you get out. Certain farming practices support an abundance of different living organisms (biodiversity) in the soil. This results in an increase of organic matter that can store carbon both short term and long term. Through this increase, the soil’s structure, composition and overall health improves so that it:
- contains more nutrients and minerals
- filters and holds more water
- reduces erosion
- sustains microorganisms like bacteria and fungi that hamper pests and diseases
- provides habitat and food for diverse species that maintain a healthy ecosystem
Carbon sequestration, healthy soil and biodiversity are all mutually beneficial. The economic value to farmers goes beyond the additional income of the sale of carbon credits. We also gain healthier soils and crops, while reducing our inputs, e.g. irrigation and fertilisers.
Buyers are usually companies or individuals seeking to lower their overall carbon emissions when they can’t cut their emissions as much or as quickly as they’d like to.
An increasing number of companies are pledging to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions. Many businesses are unable to eliminate their emissions or to make reductions as quickly as they would like to. Buying carbon credits is a way to counteract emissions that can’t be cut or avoided. High-quality carbon credits are scarce because accounting and authentication methods are inconsistent.
We connect companies to projects that are transparent, verifiable, and environmentally robust.
The links below contain talks, websites and articles with additional information for the curious and interested.
A climate change solution that’s right under our feet – Asmeret Asefaw Berhe
The hidden wonders of soil – Jane Zelikova
How to fight desertification and reverse climate change – Allan Savory
Creating valid and transparent carbon markets – Soil Science Society of America
