Microsoft has made a landmark move in its environmental strategy by purchasing 8 million carbon offset credits from BTG Pactual’s forestry division. This transaction, hailed as the largest of its kind, aims to significantly contribute to Microsoft's carbon-negative goals.
Two toucans sitting on a tree branch in a Brazilian rainforest. AI generated picture.
BTG Pactual Timberland Investment Group (TIG) revealed the credits stem from a $1 billion reforestation initiative in Latin America. This effort focuses on restoring 135,000 hectares of natural forests and creating sustainable tree farms on an additional 135,000 hectares.
The reforestation strategy, advised by Conservation International, aims to enhance climate impact, biodiversity, and community development. To date, TIG has planted over 7 million seedlings and initiated restoration on 2,600 hectares of natural forest.
Read more: Microsoft invests in nearly 1 million nature-based carbon credits
Mark Wishnie, the Chief Sustainability Officer at TIG, emphasised the groundbreaking nature of this strategy, praising Microsoft's commitment to high-quality carbon removal. He believes Microsoft's leadership will inspire other corporations to follow suit in decarbonisation efforts.
Gerrity Lansing, the Head of TIG, highlighted the critical role of institutional investors in scaling nature-based solutions for climate and biodiversity. The scale of TIG's strategy enables significant carbon removal credit transactions.
Conservation International CEO, Dr M Sanjayan, commended Microsoft’s commitment as proof that economic production and environmental restoration can coexist, benefiting biodiversity, livelihoods, and the climate simultaneously.
Read more: Greening the blueprint: Microsoft's 2030 carbon negativity roadmap
Brian Marrs, the Senior Director for Energy & Carbon Removal at Microsoft, noted that innovative projects like this reforestation initiative are essential to achieving Microsoft's carbon-negative goals by 2030 and removing all historical emissions by 2050.
Overall, this historic transaction underscores the potential of Latin American reforestation efforts to deliver substantial climate benefits while supporting local economies and communities.
At DGB Group, we share this vision by actively developing nature-based solutions essential for companies to meet their sustainability goals. Our initiatives encompass reforestation, afforestation, biodiversity restoration, and community-driven agroforestry. These diverse solutions enable businesses, investors, and individuals to participate in transparent and impactful investments, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of our natural environment. Together, we can cultivate a harmonious relationship with nature, safeguarding it for future generations.
Take the next step in your sustainability journey with DGB’s verified carbon units
