Central Tickets’ Commitment to Responsible Carbon Investment: Addressing Concerns About Tree-Planting Schemes
As one of our members or clients you may already be aware that Central Tickets is dedicated to minimising our carbon footprint and contributing to climate action through our work with Ecologi. We understand that transparency and ethical choices are critical, which is why we are addressing recent concerns raised in The Guardian about monoculture tree-planting schemes and their impact on tropical biodiversity.
The Guardian article published on October 3rd, 2023, shed light on an important issue: the potential harm caused by monoculture tree-planting schemes, even while they offer modest climate benefits. Ecologists have voiced their concerns about these schemes, warning that they may be endangering vital ecosystems like the Amazon and Congo basin by reducing them to their carbon value.
They highlighted potential problems with monoculture tree-planting schemes amid the growing popularity of commercial monoculture plantations, such as pine, eucalyptus, and teak, for carbon offsetting, including:
1. Threat to Biodiversity: The primary concern is that monoculture plantations can harm biodiversity by crowding out native plants and affecting native fauna. This is especially problematic in tropical regions, which are known for their incredible biodiversity.
2. Environmental Consequences: These plantations can have unintended environmental consequences, such as soil acidification, drying out native ecosystems, and even exacerbating wildfires.
3. Carbon-Centric Approach: There is a growing emphasis on carbon as the sole metric for assessing the value of ecosystems. This approach overlooks the broader range of ecosystem functions and services that tropical ecosystems provide.
4. Scale and Type of Restoration: The effectiveness of tree-planting initiatives in combating climate change varies depending on the scale and type of restoration. Natural forest regeneration may be a more effective method.
Seeking Clarity from Ecologi
In light of these concerns, we reached out to Ecologi to inquire about the specifics of their tree-planting schemes. Specifically, we were interested in understanding whether their initiatives involve single-species monoculture plantations.
We want our members and clients to trust that we are not simply engaging in “greenwashing,” but rather making informed decisions that align with our Climate Action Workforce pledge.
We’re really happy to report that Ecologi have shared with us that
“This article is specifically referring to ARR carbon removal, i.e. tree planting for the purposes of generating carbon removal credits. We have never supported any monoculture projects, whether for carbon removal or otherwise, because we understand the importance of biodiversity for creating resilient and healthy ecosystems.”
We remain committed to our mission of contributing to climate action and minimising our carbon footprint. By addressing these concerns and working closely with partners like Ecologi, we aim to uphold the highest standards of environmental responsibility and transparency.
Thank you for being a part of our journey, and for your continued support in our shared commitment to a sustainable and ecologically responsible future.
Have a good weekend!
Lee @ Central
Managing Director & Co-Founder