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Microsoft’s Environmental Commitment with Catona Climate – Buys 350,000 Nature-Based Carbon Credits From Kenyan Agroforestry Project

BlogMicrosoft's Environmental Commitment with Catona Climate - Buys 350,000 Nature-Based Carbon Credits From Kenyan Agroforestry Project

In a significant move towards sustainability, Microsoft has entered into a six-year offtake agreement with Catona Climate, a prominent global climate finance firm, for the procurement of 350,000 tonnes of carbon credits from an agroforestry initiative based in Kenya. This initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to achieving carbon negativity by 2030.

Partnership for Climate Action

The project, a collaboration between Catona Climate and Trees for the Future, aims to support Microsoft’s ambitious climate goals while promoting sustainable agroforestry practices. Tim McLellan, CEO of Trees for the Future, expressed enthusiasm for the involvement of Microsoft, highlighting the importance of nature-based solutions in revitalizing degraded lands and improving the livelihoods of farming communities globally.

The Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Project

Situated in Homa Bay, Kenya, the Lake Victoria Watershed Agroforestry Project engages 15,000 local smallholder farmers in the development of “forest gardens” comprising trees, shrubs, and crops. Through comprehensive training, farmers learn sustainable agricultural techniques that optimize yields without relying on fertilizers or pesticides. Additionally, the project plays a crucial role in preventing deforestation, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the adverse impacts of drought and soil erosion through integrated water and soil conservation methods.

Multifaceted Benefits to Local Communities

By promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security. The project provides consistent income streams and improves the resilience of local communities. Moreover, it contributes to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration, underscoring its multifaceted benefits.

Collaboration for Climate Impact

Rob Lee, Chief Carbon Officer at Catona Climate, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving climate targets. He highlighted the necessity of sourcing, vetting, designing, financing, monitoring, and measuring projects to enable companies like Microsoft to fulfill their climate goals effectively.

Microsoft’s Carbon Removal Program

Brian Marrs, Senior Director for Energy & Carbon Removal at Microsoft, lauded the partnership with Catona Climate, highlighting the significance of agroforestry projects in removing carbon while supporting biodiversity and benefiting local communities. Microsoft’s Carbon Removal Program aims to actively engage in offtake agreements with innovative projects, furthering its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Towards a Sustainable Future

Microsoft’s purchase of carbon credits from the Kenyan agroforestry project signifies its dedication to environmental sustainability. By investing in nature-based solutions and supporting community-driven initiatives, Microsoft continues to lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

As organizations like Microsoft and Catona Climate collaborate on impactful projects, they pave the way for broader adoption of sustainable practices and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

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