Author | Speaker

Carbon Credits are Crap . The Myths, the Mess, and the Way Forward for Traceable Carbon Credits

The world stands at a crossroads. In this book, we do not argue whether climate change is real. Who cares? For far too long, carbon credits have been touted as the magic bullet in this fight, a concept that promised to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship. But as we have seen over the past 30 years, this promise is hollow, leaving many—especially those in underdeveloped and vulnerable communities—behind.

In 2024, I was asked to give a TEDx talk titled “Carbon Credits are Crap,” which focused on the rampant fraud in the carbon credit system. It seemed like a straightforward topic to me—after all, carbon credits have been a significant buzzword in climate circles for years. However, during the talk, I quickly realized that many people had no idea what a carbon credit was. I could not dive into specifics in true TEDx fashion, leaving much unsaid. So, here we are—this book delves into the details I could not share on stage.

Carbon Credits are Crap…is a critique of the past and a call to action for the future. My journey into the world of carbon credits began with frustration and disillusionment. Still, it has evolved into something more profound: a mission to expose the truth, uplift marginalized voices, and rebuild a broken system. It is about cutting through the noise of greenwashing, holding those in power accountable, and creating a path prioritizing people, the planet, and equity.

why this book

and why now?

The climate economy is booming, but it is time to expose the darker side of carbon credits. Recent media coverage has barely scratched the surface of this global fraud. In 2023, journalists only had half of the story when they began uncovering the truth. After I revealed the full extent of the exploitation, they sent teams on the ground to verify what I had seen. It earned me the nickname “the tough American Lady” because I have made it my mission to see what is happening in these communities, not just read about it.

Carbon Credits are Crap offers more than just a critique—it provides a roadmap for a more equitable and transparent climate economy, where underdeveloped communities are not just exploited but genuinely benefit from global climate efforts. As a contributing author to Standardising Carbon Markets (published by Springer Nature, estimated November 2024), I bring a wealth of strategic experience and deep knowledge of the global climate economy, making this book essential reading for policymakers, activists, and anyone concerned with the future of our planet.

This book will spark the critical conversations we need to have now, and I would love the opportunity to discuss how we can collaborate to bring this message to a global audience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jaye Connolly

Author | Speaker

Carbon Credits are Crap . The Myths, the Mess, and the Way Forward for Traceable Carbon Credits

why this book

and why now?

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