Webinar – A principles-based approach to offsetting – why does it matter?

A principles-based approach to offsetting – why does it matter?

31 October, 2024 (Thursday) | 12.30 – 14.00 (CET Geneva time)

In this webinar, experts discussed why carbon offsets should not be used to substantiate net zero claims or the achievement of climate targets, but that emissions reduction measures should be prioritised instead. If offsets are used (but not counted in carbon accounting), panellists discussed why they should be of high quality and appropriately priced, focusing on carbon credits with genuine impact.

The discussion was followed by a Q&A session during which we explored further with speakers which principles and safeguards should be used when resorting to offsets to tackle residual emissions.

When and where?

📆 31 October, 2024 (Thursday) | 12:30 – 14:00 (CET Geneva time)

💻 Online

🇬🇧 Language: this webinar was conducted in English and translated simultaneously into French.

Speakers 

• Inigo Wyburd, Policy Expert, Global Carbon Markets, Carbon Market Watch

Inigo is a Policy Expert in global carbon markets, with a particular focus on the voluntary carbon market (VCM). At Carbon Market Watch, a leading watchdog organisation, he keeps a close eye on the VCM, striving to bring integrity and fairness through science-driven advocacy. His work spans writing research driven reports and briefings on various carbon market issues. Prior to joining Carbon Market Watch, Inigo worked in carbon markets for a project developer and a sustainability consultancy in London. He is deeply passionate about ensuring that carbon markets work for both people and the planet.

• Sascha Nick, Business School Professor & Scientific Director of the Diploma in Sustainable Business, BSL Lausanne

Sascha Nick is professor at Business School Lausanne (BSL) and Scientific Director of the DAS in Sustainable Business. His BSL course “SDG Explorer” has been selected as best practice by UN SDSN.

Prof. Nick is also researcher is sustainability transitions at EPFL, and lecturer at EPFL and UNIL. As a B Leader, he helps companies become certified B Corps. As a serial entrepreneur, he founded four start-ups in industrial software and sustainability, including CO2-monitor, helping companies engage their employees. Sascha holds two US patents for software-based business methods.

Earlier, Prof. Nick led a software research group at Siemens in Munich, and then held various management positions at Schneider Electric in Paris and Chicago, including VP Strategy and Development. He holds an M.Eng in electronics and an MBA from INSEAD, as well as a PhD from EPFL on the topic “Action Levers towards Sustainable Wellbeing: Re-Thinking Negative Emissions, Sufficiency, Deliberative Democracy.”

• Jacob Goldberg, Investigative Reporter, The New Humanitarian

Jacob Goldberg is a journalist covering the humanitarian aid sector. He is currently the Investigations Reporter & Editor at The New Humanitarian. He was previously Editor-in-Chief at New Naratif, and Managing Editor at Coconuts Yangon. He received journalism awards from the Society of Publishers in Asia in 2017 and 2020. His work has been cited in the UK parliament and in a legal recommendation by Brazilian prosecutors to stop trading carbon credits in the state of Amazonas.

Missed the webinar? Watch the recording below or watch it directly on our YouTube channel!

Cover photo: Jonas Denil/Unsplash