Science Based Targets initiative to change policy
To allow offsets to be used for Scope 3 emissions
LONDON, May 9 (Reuters) - Staff at an influential corporate climate action group whose board announced a plan to allow companies to offset greenhouse gas emissions in their supply chains have raised concerns, according to half a dozen staff members who spoke to Reuters.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which is used by companies like Amazon (AMZN.O) and Unilever (ULVR.L) to set emissions reduction goals that are in line with the Paris Agreement, announced last week that it was changing its policy to allow so-called Scope 3 emissions to be offset.
Offsets allow companies to compensate for their emissions by investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. However, they have been criticised by some experts who say they can be used to greenwash a company's reputation and avoid making real emissions reductions.
The SBTi's decision to allow offsets has been met with criticism from some staff, who say it undermines the integrity of the organisation and its mission to help companies achieve net zero emissions.
"It's a disaster," said one staff member, who asked not to be named. "It's going to make it much harder for us to hold companies to account and ensure that they're actually reducing their emissions."
Another staff member said that the decision had caused a "huge backlash" within the organisation.
"There's a lot of anger and frustration," the staff member said. "People feel like the SBTi is no longer putting climate science first."
The SBTi has defended its decision, saying that it is necessary to help companies achieve net zero emissions.
"Offsets can be a valuable tool for companies that are committed to reducing their emissions," said the SBTi in a statement.
"We believe that our new policy will allow companies to use offsets in a responsible and transparent way."
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