Scientist who helped criticise REDD concerned about media reports

Quantum Commodity Intelligence – A researcher from the universities of Bangor in the UK and Utrecht in the Netherlands who collaborated with media on criticism of voluntary carbon markets (VCM) has said she is concerned about their impact on projects.

Scientist Julia Jones wrote today in the journal Nature that issues with REDD+ projects, such as over-issuance of carbon credits, should not prevent forest conservation efforts, risking the world facing a "catastrophe".

Jones claimed to either have been contacted or provided information to news outlets, such as the BBC and the Guardian, that have published accusations of overestimated carbon credit issuances by REDD+ projects in the past year.

"Recent media coverage gives the impression that the very idea of tackling climate change by slowing tropical deforestation is a scam — this is not true and the idea could harm forests," said Jones in the opening of its article at Nature.

"I am concerned about the unintended consequences of these media reports for the finance of tropical forest conservation," she added.

"Given how vital tropical forests are for the future of our planet (they store 15–20 years' worth of global CO2 emissions, and actively absorb carbon dioxide, conserve biodiversity and support hydrological cycles), this worries me," according to Jones.

US-based registry Verra approved last year a new methodology for avoided unplanned deforestation 'VM0048—Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation', and the researcher said this will help boost integrity.

Additionally, Jones still believes that governments launching jurisdictional programmes will help reduce leakage and other accounting risks.

"Conservative issuing of credits can address issues with leakage and impermanence," said Jones.

"Credits that prevent a genuine threat to forests without harming local people will certainly not be a cheap option, but are possible," she added.