OMNI Features｜Scientists Call for End to Ineffectual Carbon Offsets, Push for Real Emissions Reductions．Seabed Mining Concerns Prompt BlueFloat Energy's Departure from New Zealand

｜Scientists Call for End to Ineffectual Carbon Offsets, Push for Real Emissions Reductions
More than 60 climate scientists warn that corporate carbon offsets are ineffective and impede real climate progress, emphasizing that "real zero" emissions — actual reductions without offsets — is essential to mitigate climate impacts. This call to action, led by the Lethal Humidity Global Council, includes prominent climate scientists like Prof. Michael Mann and UN expert Bill Hare, who argue that carbon offsets merely shift emissions rather than reduce them. Prof. Katrin Meissner and others highlight that offset projects like forest preservation are not permanent solutions, as carbon stored in trees can be re-released through events like wildfires.

The pledge, organized with support from the Minderoo Foundation, criticizes "net zero" as a temporary fix that avoids addressing root emissions. Prof. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick describes net zero as a "Band-Aid" solution, while Russell Reichelt warns that natural carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, are under strain and cannot keep up with emissions. The Council calls on corporations to pursue real reductions by ending fossil fuel use, rather than relying on offsets that fail to secure long-term climate goals.

｜Seabed Mining Concerns Prompt BlueFloat Energy's Departure from New Zealand
BlueFloat Energy, a Spanish offshore wind developer, has announced it will cancel its plans for wind farms off Taranaki and Waikato, citing uncertainties about seabed allocation and market access. This decision follows the Government's proposal to fast-track a controversial seabed mining project in Taranaki.

The fast-tracking of the seabed mining project, listed among 149 projects in the Government’s Fast-Track Approvals Bill, has raised concerns among developers. BlueFloat and others argue this project could significantly reduce or eliminate offshore wind opportunities in South Taranaki, which is known for its strong wind resources.

Reference:The Guardian｜newsroom