William ten Zijthoff, co-founder of Carbon Debits and a newly elected member of the UNFCCC Roster of Experts, is pioneering transformative changes in environmental sustainability with his innovative approach to carbon management. Motivated by the transparency issues prevalent in the traditional carbon credit market, William established Carbon Debits to implement a robust, blockchain-based certification system that ensures each bit of CO2 absorption is accurately recorded. This method not only restores trust in carbon offsetting but also provides a transparent, verifiable alternative to the often-criticized systems that rely on projections and estimates.
In his role with the UNFCCC, William leverages his expertise to influence global climate policy, contributing to the development of new guidelines for carbon offsets that prioritize transparency and reliability. He is committed to expanding the reach and efficacy of his model, envisioning the carbon debit system becoming a standard practice globally, providing a reliable foundation for carbon management strategies.
William's work involves bridging the gap between traditional industries wary of new technologies and the innovative potential of blockchain solutions. By creating separate entities tailored to the needs of traditional companies, he facilitates a smoother transition to advanced, blockchain-enhanced carbon management practices. His dedication to this cause is pivotal in driving forward a sustainable and accountable approach to combating climate change on a global scale.
Abdullah Melik Yildiz: William, could you begin by sharing some details about your background and the motivations behind fouunding Carbon Debits?
William ten Zijthoff: Certainly, Abdullah. I'm 35 years old and deeply concerned with the transparency issues plaguing the current carbon credit market. Our initiative, Carbon Debits, was founded to establish a system where certification is backed by a solid, verifiable methodology rather than mere paperwork. We use blockchain technology to ensure every bit of CO2 absorbed is accurately accounted for, which is fundamental in building trust in carbon offsetting.
Abdullah Melik Yildiz: How does the carbon debit system work exactly, and how is it different from carbon credits?
William ten Zijthoff: The carbon debit system is fundamentally designed to offer real-time, verifiable impact. Here's how it fundamentally differs from carbon credits:
Immediacy: Carbon debits are issued based on actual CO2 absorption by vegetation or other means, which starts immediately after installation or planting. For example, if we establish a new forest, the carbon absorption begins as soon as those trees are in the ground, and this is tracked daily.
Verification: Each unit of CO2 absorbed is recorded in real-time using blockchain technology. This means that there is a transparent, immutable record of every kilogram of CO2 absorbed from the atmosphere. This system ensures that if a tree dies or a project fails, the recorded debits are adjusted accordingly, maintaining accuracy and integrity.
Transparency: Unlike carbon credits, which often rely on projected and estimated future growth of trees or projects, carbon debits provide a tangible, immediate measure of carbon offsetting. This addresses the core issues of trust and reliability that have often undermined the carbon credit market.
This level of transparency is crucial because it directly addresses the core issues of trust and reliability that carbon credits often fail to provide.
Abdullah Melik Yildiz: What was the market response to this system, especially concerning certifications?
William ten Zijthoff: While we've faced some skepticism, mainly due to the flawed reputation of traditional certifications, our model has earned a UN certification and a position in setting global guidelines for carbon offsets. This recognition affirms that our approach is not just theoretically sound but also effective in practice.
Abdullah Melik Yildiz: What are some of the challenges you face in scaling up the carbon debits system?
William ten Zijthoff: Scaling is indeed a challenge. We currently manage about 100,000 tons of CO2 annually, which is relatively modest. We're in ongoing discussions to expand our impact. The reception from companies has been positive, especially from those genuinely committed to sustainability, as they appreciate our model's concrete proof of carbon offsetting.
Abdullah Melik Yildiz: Lastly, what is your vision for the future of Carbon Debits?
William ten Zijthoff: Our vision is to make carbon debits a standard in carbon offsetting, where transparency and verification lead. We aim to expand our reach, bringing more companies and sectors on board. As the market matures, and more entities recognize the value of verifiable offsetting practices, Carbon Debits will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future.
This interview not only highlights the innovative strides being made by William ten Zijthoff and Carbon Debits but also underscores ECOTA's commitment to promoting sustainable environmental practices. As we confront the challenges of climate change, it’s pioneers like William who pave the way toward a more accountable and transparent approach to environmental conservation.