Green Cash: How Blockchain is Redefining Carbon Credits

By David Armaah

In recent years, the urgency of combating climate change has prompted innovative solutions across various industries. One of them in regenerative agriculture is the concept of blockchain-enabled carbon credits. By leveraging the transparency and security of blockchain technology, startups are transforming the way carbon emissions are tracked, verified, and offset, creating new opportunities for environmental conservation and sustainable practices.

Blockchain & Carbon Credits

Blockchain is essentially a digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. Carbon credits on the other hand represent the reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions from the atmosphere. They are generated through various carbon offset activities such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, and sustainable agriculture practices. How do both concepts intersect in agriculture?

With blockchain technology, farmers can earn credits for eco-friendly actions on their farms, like planting trees. These credits, recorded in a digital ledger, show how green they are. Farmers can trade these credits for cash, creating a new way to make money while helping the environment.

Blockchain is streamlining the process of carbon credits, making it more accessible and efficient.

Startups like Regen Network, Nori, and Pachama are leading the charge in implementing blockchain-enabled carbon credits, revolutionising the carbon offset market.

Regen Network:

Regen Network: This Delaware-based leverages blockchain technology to create a decentralised ecological data network that enables transparent and auditable carbon accounting. They also work with farmers and land stewards to quantify ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, soil health improvement, and biodiversity conservation.

Location: USA, CEO: Gregory Landua

Nori

Nori: Based in Seattle, Nori operates a marketplace for carbon removal, where farmers and landowners can earn Nori Carbon Removal Certificates (NCRs) for implementing carbon removal activities such as soil carbon sequestration and reforestation. Nori’s blockchain-based platform ensures the transparent and verifiable tracking of carbon removal efforts, enabling individuals and businesses to purchase NCRs to offset their carbon footprint.

Location: USA, CEO: Matt Trudeau

Pachama

Pachama: Pachama combines satellite imagery, machine learning, and blockchain technology to monitor and verify carbon offset projects, particularly in forestry and reforestation. By accurately measuring carbon stocks in forests, Pachama ensures the integrity of carbon credits generated from these projects.

Location: USA, CEO: Diego Saez Gil

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