Carbon Frontiers 2024 Episode 11 | Leslie Durschinger, Founder, CEO, & CIO, Terra Global Capital
May 25, 2024
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Leslie Durschinger, Founder, CEO, & CIO at Terra Global Capital, discusses the flaws in media criticism of nature-based carbon projects, challenges in voluntary carbon markets, just transitions to net zero, criteria for nature-based solutions investments, and the need for transparency in carbon markets. A comprehensive look at enhancing carbon markets through continual improvement and setting the stage for the next series, The Future of Energy.
Criticism of nature-based carbon projects in the media can harm local communities and financing, emphasizing the importance of positive narratives.
Challenges in carbon markets involve questioning academic papers' integrity, data accuracy, and methodologies, urging caution in critical assessments.
Successful REDD+ projects prioritize community engagement for fair benefit sharing, highlighting the significance of inclusivity and equitable deal terms.
Deep dives
Negative Impact of Critical Stories on Carbon Credit
Criticism in the media regarding nature-based carbon projects can have significant detrimental effects on the income potential for local communities and developing country governments. Such negative stories can damage the reputation of financiers and developers working with integrity, ultimately hampering efforts to support carbon credits. The focus should shift towards promoting understanding and cooperation rather than unwarranted criticism, emphasizing the transformative potential of carbon credits for communities.
Challenges with Academic Papers on Carbon Markets
A key challenge highlighted in the episode pertains to the use of academic papers, such as the one by Thales West, in questioning the integrity of carbon markets. The critique involves identifying flaws in the data used, methodologies applied, and the significance of the findings. It underscores the importance of accurate data analysis and the potential consequences of relying on flawed studies for critical assessments.
Importance of Community Engagement in Red Projects
Community engagement emerges as a crucial factor in the success of REDD+ projects, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and fair benefit sharing. Projects like the Southern Cardaban Project in Cambodia and others underscore the significance of genuine community involvement for sustainable outcomes. Addressing concerns around land tenure, collaboration with governments, and equitable deal terms are essential for fostering successful projects.
Enhancing Transparency and Continual Improvement in Carbon Markets
Advocating for increased transparency and ongoing improvement within carbon markets is essential for meeting net-zero goals. Discussions should revolve around fostering clearer reporting mechanisms, promoting digital solutions for monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), and ensuring accountability across projects. Emphasizing transparency can mitigate unwarranted criticisms, enhance stakeholder confidence, and drive positive impact across nature-based solutions projects.
Implications of Just Transition Through Nature-Based Solutions
Delivering a just transition through nature-based solutions requires a comprehensive approach that aligns economic viability with social and environmental impact. Initiatives like Terra Global Capital's white paper emphasize the imperative for financial entities to support nature-based solutions. The focus lies in allocating capital to foster sustainability, promoting integrity in investments, and adhering to best practices to achieve net-zero commitments. Emphasizing economic viability, transparency, and equitable community engagement can pave the way for a sustainable transition.
We close out our Carbon Frontiers 2024 series this week with Leslie Durschinger, Founder, CEO, & CIO at Terra Global Capital. SmarterMarkets™ host David Greely sits down with Leslie to discuss her views on what the media is getting wrong in its criticism of nature-based carbon projects, as well as what project financiers and developers should be doing to deliver a just transition through nature-based solutions.
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