Can Treefera restore trust in offsetting with AI reforestation, conservation?

More than $2million has been raised to develop the platform, which is primarily aimed at changing the offset market. 

Co-founded by Jonathan Horn, a theoretical physicist and former-MD at J.P. Morgan, and Caroline Grey, former-Chief Customer Officer at automation specialist UiPath, Treeforma is focused on improving accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in offsetting, with an overall goal of reintroducing trust into the offsetting concept. 

‘Treefera’s transformative AI tool has the power to revolutionize the world’s approach to forest data and conservation. Our platform enables instant analysis & insights of carbon offset projects, and critically allows easy integration of that trusted data into our clients’ analytics environment through an API. We’re thrilled to have esteemed investors on board who share our vision of a more transparent and impactful carbon offset market,’ said Horn.

The development team responsible believe the large repository of data maps for more than one trillion trees across the globe, deep learning models and novel AI techniques can dramatically speed up measurement, reporting and verification of carbon credits. A process that has often taken weeks could be completed instantly, with almost-real time visualisation to help present the results. 

Earlier this year, a joint investigation by The Guardian, Die Zeit, and Source Material revealed 90% of offsetting credits being sold through the world’s leading standard offered no real benefit. The latest in a string of controversies to beset the industry, it is hoped improved transparency could also mean improved reputation. Although many continue to argue against offsetting as an effective form of climate action, it’s also true that many criticisms focus on the ineffective failings of projects designed to compensate for emissions and other forms of footprint. 

More on environmental credits and net zero: 

Look up, off world: The satellite tech driving climate action

Introducing Net Zero Community, connecting sustainability professionals to industry

After greenwashing: A guide to effective environmental and offsetting targets

Image: Jan Huber