Welcome to My First Monthly Roundup Newsletter!
Welcome to the first edition of my Monthly Roundup Newsletter. Each month, I’ll bring you updates that have piqued my interest on key developments, articles, and important information related to climate change mitigation, emissions management and reduction, sustainability and more in the climate change space.
In this issue, you’ll find insights from the recent Carbon Forestry Conference in Rotorua, New Zealand, new guidelines from SBTi, and updates on emissions and deforestation, along with information about upcoming events.
Stay connected by following us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our mailing list for timely updates and insights.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and feedback.
Carly
Carbon Forestry Conference
The recent Carbon Forestry Conference in Rotorua highlighted the pressing need for clear guidance on navigating the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and Voluntary Carbon Markets in New Zealand. Stay tuned for our upcoming explainer, which will detail how to nativage and unravel the complex carbon market in New Zealand.
Important Science-Based Targets initiative Update: New Technical Publications
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released important technical publications of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard. This draft standard is expected for public review by year-end.
These publications provide insights into integrating carbon credits into climate strategies, including Beyond-Value-Chain Mitigation (BVCM), insetting, and neutralisation. While these mechanisms are valuable, SBTi emphasises that direct decarbonisation remains the top priority. Your feedback is crucial to refining this framework. Share your insights here.
Also SBTi have developed target-setting criteria, tools and supplementary resources for companies and financial institutions in the buildings value chain to set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Take a look at those here. If you are from this sector we would also recommend you to attend or tune into the WAO Summit building related workshops planned for October. See more below.
A Milestone Year for Science-Based Targets
Last year marked a significant leap forward in climate action, with more companies aligning their emissions reduction goals with science-based targets. Discover our key highlights from the latest Science Based Targets Initiative Monitoring Report (2023) here.
Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Chief’s Statement on Agricultural Emissions
New Zealand’s chief climate adviser has countered claims that farmers must wait for new technology to reduce emissions and countered the false notion that reducing local agricultural production would increase global emissions. Learn more about this important discussion here.
International Farmgate Emissions Report
A new report from Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry compares the emissions intensity of a range of agriculture commodities revealing that New Zealand’s emissions intensity across diary, beef and sheep are not as low as commonly reported with our global competitors placing consistently lower in greenhouse gas intensity. This highlights the need for enhanced action on emissions and sustainability practices within New Zealand’s agriculture sector. Access the full report here.
UN’s Assessment of Vanuatu REDD+ Project
EAS worked closely with the Vanuatu government to document and report their Forest Reference Level in the context of results based payments, which we are proud to see that the UNFCCC has recently endorsed as ‘transparent’ and complete, marking a significant milestone in the government’s international reporting processes. Read about this project’s success here.
Verra’s New Sanctions on VVBs
Verra is taking steps to improve the integrity of the voluntary carbon market by sanctioning Verification/Validation Bodies (VVBs) and seeking compensation from projects found in breach of standards and methods. Read more about these developments here.
Deforestation and EU Regulation
Deforestation and forest degradation are now global issues, not just concerns for developing nations. The European Union’s new Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will require products traded within the EU to prove they do not contribute to deforestation or degradation by December 30, 2024. Learn more about this regulation and its potential impact here.
GFOI and Silvacarbon Workshop
In August, I was among international experts, government representatives and industry stakeholders gathered at the headquarters of the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for a workshop led by SilvaCarbon, partner of the Global Forest Observations Initiative. The workshop focused on bridging the gap between voluntary carbon markets and reporting to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Stay tuned for a detailed overview of the workshop’s discussions and insights, and find out what important developments lie ahead.
Black Magic Women Cycling Club Update
Since 2020, EAS have supported the Black Magic Women Cycling Club, and this year has been a turning point with notable achievements in racing. Read the President’s report and consider supporting this inspiring club here.
WAO Summit 2024
The WAO Summit is set for October 29 to November 2 in Queenstown and Wānaka. The event promises an impactful week of masterclasses, Green Drinks, and a Community Festival centered on “Better Together.”
This year for the first time, Wao Summit is dedicating an entire day in Wanaka and Queenstown to the building sector. A must attend event for building industry professionals and the first day of it’s kind across New Zealand. This is timely considering the new Science-based targets building guidelines released in August.
Get in now and register for this and all WAO events here.
Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a more sustainable future. We hope you find these updates and insights both informative and inspiring. We look forward to bringing you more important climate news and developments next month. In the meantime, stay connected by following EAS on LinkedIn and subscribe to our mailing list for timely updates and insights