Eyal Harel, CEO of BlueGreen Water Technologies, is an advocate for climate innovation and safe water practices. He believes that the carbon offsetting arena, while crucial in reversing the effects of climate change, is often surrounded by controversy. Many people view carbon offsets as a marketing facade, but the reality is that we are on track to overshoot global warming targets by 2050. Harel emphasizes the importance of understanding the need to remove legacy emissions and invest in solutions to combat climate change.
Harel paints a scenario where a corporation voluntarily invests millions of dollars in vetted carbon credits to manage its carbon footprint. However, when the activities underlying these offsets are found to have little to no scientific basis, the company faces backlash. Rather than blaming the corporation, Harel suggests reframing the situation as a result of the race to meet sustainability goals where shortcuts may be necessary. He urges for continued innovation, development of new concepts, and investing in solutions to remove carbon from the atmosphere despite inevitable challenges.
The media plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on carbon offsetting, sometimes oscillating between praise and condemnation. While highlighting flaws and promoting transparency is important, there is a fine line between constructive criticism and discouragement. Negative portrayals of carbon credits can deter investments and innovation, creating a sense of distrust within the industry. Harel advises company leaders to embrace resilience, transparency, and the commitment to continuous improvement in navigating climate solutions.
Harel encourages leaders to understand that there may not be a perfect climate solution on the first try and that calculated risks and continuous improvement are essential. He stresses the importance of partnering with transparent organizations and experts to ensure the highest standards in carbon offset projects. Leaders should prioritize projects that demonstrate clear additionality and long-term carbon storage with positive impacts on communities and ecosystems.
Harel asserts that the only way forward is to commit to financing innovative and sometimes risky ideas in collaborative efforts towards the common goal of combating climate change. Rather than playing the “blame game,” he advocates for a focus on collective efforts to address one of the most important goals of our generation. The path to combat climate change is not straightforward, but through resilience, transparency, and continuous improvement, leaders can make a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change.
