Topic: Research News
The Australian government's new method for calculating forest carbon credits has been criticized for being flawed. Experts say it may overstate carbon abatement by up to 100% and issue credits without actual emissions reductions.
A recent analysis has highlighted significant technical flaws in Australia's Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Native Forests Method (INFM). This method is used to calculate forest carbon credits, which are then sold on the market. The analysis shows that the INFM could over-credit projects by between 40% and 100%, even before accounting for carbon leakage and harvested wood products.
The Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) has echoed concerns raised by Forestry Australia about the new method. AFPA Acting CEO Richard Hyett said,
Implications
The Australian government's new method for calculating forest carbon credits has been criticized for being flawed. Experts say it may overstate carbon abatement by up to 100% and issue credits without actual emissions reductions.
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