The value of a ton of carbon goes beyond just its carbon content, posing challenges, but also opportunities for nature-based conservation organizations looking to be part of the carbon market.
The use of carbon markets to offset the externalities of fossil fuels and the dismissal of projects that do not meet carbon standards are perpetuating the notion that we can continue with our unsustainable lifestyles. The undervaluation of the importance of forests and peatlands compared to other land uses is also a major issue.
Protecting the carbon stores and biodiversity in the global south can incentivize the reduction of carbon credits and fund the creation of clean infrastructure. The focus should be on protecting the most vulnerable and high carbon store areas, while driving money towards communities that can benefit from it.