Nature-based carbon removal solutions key to decarbonisation: climate lawyer

MUSCAT, MARCH 5

International climate lawyer and Forbes 30 Under 30 awardee, Anete Garoza, captivated the audience at the Oman Conference on Environmental Sustainability 2024 (OCES) in Muscat last week with her insightful speech on the path to decarbonisation. Emphasising the importance of embracing nature-based solutions and a triple-bottom-line approach, Garoza shed light on key strategies for sustainable environmental practices.

In her address, Garoza stressed the critical need for increasing awareness and directing climate finance towards nature-based solutions. She highlighted the vital role these solutions play in supporting life on Earth, extending well beyond merely addressing carbon emissions.

Nature-based solutions such as reforestation, afforestation, soil carbon sequestration, and ocean-based projects provide environmentally friendly and efficient ways to extract carbon from the atmosphere.

These methods not only help in preserving biodiversity and aiding local communities but also offer sustainable means of combating climate change, biodiversity decline, and ensuring fair development by leveraging the capabilities of ecosystems and natural mechanisms.

Nature-based carbon removal solutions, exemplified by the groundbreaking work of 1MTN, were a focal point of her presentation. The 1MTN carbon project focuses on removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by strategically planting bamboo, renowned for its rapid growth and exceptional carbon sequestration capabilities.

Garoza emphasised that bamboo absorbs approximately 40% more carbon and releases 35% more oxygen than the average tree. Moreover, 1MTN's ambitious mission includes the restoration of 1 million hectares of highly degraded land in East Africa by 2030, aiming not only to mitigate carbon emissions but also to enhance ecosystem services such as water purification, flood control, soil fertility, and biodiversity in the region.

Anete Garoza gives her keynote speech during the Oman Conference on Environmental Sustainability 2024 held in Muscat last week.

This nature-based carbon project stands out for its comprehensive approach, creating sustainable jobs and implementing a carbon benefit-sharing model that empowers local communities by improving socioeconomic conditions.

At the core of 1MTN's strategy is a triple-bottom-line approach, focusing on People, Planet, and Profit. Garoza explained how this approach aims to make a positive impact on both the environment and society while also benefiting shareholders. By aligning their strategies with this concept, businesses can contribute significantly to decarbonisation efforts and drive tangible impact.

An essential aspect Garoza addressed was the need for robust monitoring systems in effective carbon removal projects. She highlighted how technological advancements, such as satellite data, offer transparency and monitoring capabilities on a global scale. While digitalisation levels in various countries can impact the ease and speed of project initiation, Garoza emphasised that the challenges can be overcome with a genuine willingness to undertake projects seriously.

Furthermore, Garoza underscored the importance of Voluntary Carbon Markets as crucial financing mechanisms in advancing decarbonisation efforts. She emphasised the significance of regulatory clarity and access to capital for carbon projects to thrive in the market.