myclimate is a pioneer in the implementation and evaluation of climate protection projects. We consider them as more than a supplementary tool. They are essential when it comes to the climate protection efforts of private individuals and of companies in particular. For that reason we expressly call for more assured quality and transparency from all stakeholders in our field.
Due to less genuine stakeholders and unclear framework conditions and methodologies, there is a concern that trust in quality climate protection projects as an important, market-based tool is being eroded across the board. For that reason, over the past six months we have been in communication with political decision-makers in Brussels, Berlin and Bern. We have also spoken with journalists on this topic and stated our views. Link to the article in the NZZ (with paywall) Our discussions during these meetings focused on topics including Swiss(/German) legislation and political attitudes, as well as the European Green Claims Regulation. We also presented a catalogue of central demands to politicians and to our own sector.
Our position centres on three core points:
- Climate protection projects are measures to aid in the achievement of the Paris climate targets. What makes these projects special is that they are already having an impact on a large scale today, and yet still have a huge potential to be scaled up. Companies that support these projects voluntarily, as a supplement to their reduction pathways, need certainty: legal certainty in the use of funds and in their own communication and reputational certainty for their own sake.
- In order for climate protection services to be seen as trustworthy, climate protection projects must follow recognised scientific standards. Unfortunately, the standards that are widespread today are not universally recognised and supported. The main issue is the public’s lack of knowledge of and familiarity with existing standards, meaning that they cannot be fully effective as quality guarantees.
- In both areas we call for more regulation in order to separate the wheat from the chaff and to allow genuine climate protection organisations that are concerned with climate impact, such as myclimate, to continue to work to actively combat climate change without unnecessary background noise or vague public (mis)perceptions.
From our point of view the requirements are clear:
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We need binding, harmonised and widely recognised standards within the Swiss (German/international) legal framework for calculating the efficiency and effectiveness of climate protection projects. These should be aligned with existing quality standards and follow the Core Carbon Principles – or go beyond them.
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In addition, the market needs effective and independent government-organised control that guarantees that profiteers and freeloaders are shut out of the market and that certainty is ensured for companies and the public.
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With the Green Claims Directive, the EU is expected to create a sensible standard for the project market and strengthen the role of climate protection projects. Switzerland, too, needs a similar paradigm shift. (Germany should strongly advocate strict and clear implementation.)
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The implementation of this Directive needs to be significantly accelerated, because climate protection cannot wait. For that reason myclimate calls on politicians to create the necessary framework conditions for it.
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That notwithstanding, climate protection that is effective today, that goes beyond the plans, cannot wait for legislation. Until a legal framework exists that protects the voluntary engagement of companies that acknowledge their climate responsibility, climate protection organisations have to act on their own. This means that we, within the circle of climate protection service providers who are concerned with quality and effectiveness, could take responsibility for voluntary commitments until the legislature has set up the binding and secure framework that is so important to companies in particular.
We expressly ask for this especially in the name of the companies we are working with on their path to net zero, as they need this secure legal framework for their vital supplementary and voluntary efforts.
As of today, it is unfortunately precisely these committed companies that are the focus of criticism. This is despite the fact that they, unlike the naysayers, are the ones that are setting new benchmarks both in the reduction of their own footprint and in taking on additional responsibility by financing projects.
With the support of the state and its experts in administration, we can strengthen the trust of companies and the general public in important and necessary measures. This would offer Switzerland (Germany/the EU) a further chance to work towards the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement with credibility. That is our conviction.