The Rise Of Plastic Offset Schemes, Dearth Of Corporate Carbon Disclosures, And A Chat About Planting Trees

The eruption of the Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai volcano in the Pacific last weekend wreaked havoc on the island nation of Tonga, killing at least three people. The ensuing tsunami also caused at least two other deaths thousands of miles away, in Peru. Adding to that tragedy, the big waves rocked a ship that was loading oil into a refinery, spilling an estimated 6,000 barrels of oil along the Peruvian shore. 

Large volcanic eruptions can have immediate and years-long impact on the climate. While scientists are still assessing the full extent of this eruption, early data suggests that its impact on the climate won’t be meaningful.

Other stories I’m highlighting this week discuss ongoing lag in corporate carbon disclosures, whether plastic offset schemes can have an impact in reducing pollution, and the development of electric, robotic trains.

In Climate Talks, I talked to Dr. Paul Smith of Botanic Gardens Conservation International about the right way to plant trees—whether as part of corporate social responsibility programs, team away days, or to mark Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th anniversary on the throne—to fight climate change.