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Ex-carbon offsetting boss charged in New York with multimillion-dollar fraud

Kenneth Newcombe, formerly CEO of C-Quest Capital, indicted over allegations of carbon credit manipulation

Patrick Greenfield Fri 4 Oct 2024 06.00 BST

A former carbon offsetting executive has been charged with fraud by US federal authorities, who allege that he helped to manipulate data from projects in rural Africa and Asia to fraudulently obtain carbon credits worth tens of millions of dollars.

Kenneth Newcombe, former CEO of C-Quest Capital LLC and a leading figure in the offsetting industry, was indicted on Wednesday in New York with commodities and wire fraud.

Prosecutors alleged he was part of a multi-year scheme that manipulated information on the impact of cooking stove projects in Africa and south-east Asia to make them appear far more successful at reducing emissions than they were in reality, also using the figures to attract investment of more than $100m in C-Quest.

From 2007 to December 2023, the 77-year-old was a board member of Verra, the world’s leading certifier of carbon offsets, and he also worked at the World Bank and Goldman Sachs at different times. He faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted of the most serious charges. He denies all allegations against him.

A spokesperson for Newcombe told Bloomberg that their client was dying of cancer. “He is confident that if he lives to see a jury hear this case, that jury will reject these false charges and return his good name to him,” the spokesperson said.

Cooking stove projects are one of the most popular carbon offsetting schemes, theoretically generating emissions reductions by swapping smoky fuels such as wood, paraffin or kerosene with cleaner alternatives.

By changing fuels, they can have major benefits: improving air quality, reducing the amount of time people spend collecting wood and slowing the loss of the world’s forests. But studies have raised widespread concerns about their claimed environmental impact, finding that schemes are overstating their effect by an average of 1,000%.

Shell and BP have both invested in C-Quest and are among several leading firms that have bought carbon credits from the firm.

Newcombe stepped down as CEO of C-Quest in February this year. In June, the new management of C-Quest announced that they had reported their former CEO to US authorities for his role in allegedly faking emissions data to generate millions of worthless carbon credits.

Following the announcement Verra said it was suspending the 27 projects implicated in the allegations and that it would be working with C-Quest to cancel the overissued credits as quickly as possible. Its statement at the time added: “Verra and the voluntary carbon market (VCM) as a whole are built on trust and integrity. We take any accusation of impropriety that undermines that trust very seriously.”

On Wednesday, US authorities said they would not be pursuing charges against C-Quest due to its open and timely disclosure of the alleged wrongdoing.

Prosecutors also charged Tridip Goswami, former head of C-Quest’s carbon and sustainability accounting team, with fraud. He could not be immediately reached for comment. Former chief operating officer Jason Steele has pleaded guilty to charges and is cooperating with the US government, the announcement said.

US attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Kenneth Newcombe and Tridip Goswami, among others, engaged in a multi-year scheme to fraudulently obtain carbon credits by using manipulated and misleading data. They then sold those credits to unsuspecting buyers in the multi-billion-dollar global market for carbon credits.”







The Importance of Biodiversity in Conservation in Melanesia


Melanesia, a region encompassing countries such as Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, is home to some of the most unique and diverse ecosystems on the planet. With its lush rainforests, vibrant coral reefs, and plethora of endemic species, Melanesia boasts a rich biodiversity that is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. However, this stunning natural heritage is under threat from a variety of factors, including deforestation, climate change, and the introduction of invasive species.

Bio-diversity is crucial for the health and well-being of our planet. It not only provides us with essential resources such as food, water, and medicine, but also plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability and resilience. In Melanesia, the rich biodiversity of the region supports the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on it for food, shelter, and cultural practices. It is also a source of immense beauty and wonder that must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Unfortunately, Melanesia's biodiversity is facing serious challenges. Deforestation, driven by logging, agriculture, and mining, is destroying vast swathes of rainforest and threatening the survival of endemic plant and animal species. Climate change is exacerbating these threats, causing rising sea levels, increased frequency of natural disasters, and altering the delicate balance of ecosystems. Invasive species introduced by human activities also pose a significant risk to native flora and fauna, outcompeting local species and disrupting ecosystem dynamics.

Despite these challenges, there are numerous conservation initiatives in place across Melanesia that are working to protect and preserve the region's biodiversity. One successful example is the Tonda Wildlife Management Area in Papua New Guinea, which was established by local communities to conserve the habitat of the endangered Matschie's tree kangaroo. Through community-based conservation efforts, the population of the tree kangaroo has stabilized, and ecotourism has provided a sustainable source of income for local residents.

In Fiji, the Great Sea Reef Marine Sanctuary is another inspiring conservation project that aims to protect the world's third-largest barrier reef from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. By working closely with local communities and stakeholders, the sanctuary has been able to establish no-take zones and implement sustainable fishing practices that have helped to revive fish populations and improve coral reef health.

These are just a few examples of the many conservation initiatives that are making a positive impact on biodiversity conservation in Melanesia. However, much more needs to be done to protect the region's natural heritage and ensure a sustainable future for both the environment and local communities. As individuals, we can support these efforts by advocating for stronger environmental policies, supporting sustainable businesses, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.

In conclusion, biodiversity is a fundamental pillar of life on Earth, and its preservation is essential for the health and well-being of our planet. In Melanesia, the rich biodiversity of the region is under threat from a variety of factors, but through concerted conservation efforts, we can protect and preserve this unique natural heritage for future generations to enjoy. By supporting local conservation initiatives and taking action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and deforestation, we can all play a role in preserving the biodiversity of Melanesia and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

How to grow a Christmas cactus from cuttings, quickly and easily

1. Preparing the Cuttings: After flowering, carefully snip branches from the Christmas cactus using a sharp knife. Cut them into smaller sections, each containing a few segments, to ensure clean cuts and minimize the risk of infection.
2. Choosing the Medium: Opt for well-prepared builder’s sand as the planting medium. Allow the cuttings to air dry for a day before planting to prevent bacterial growth.
3. Planting and Care: Plant the dry cuttings in moist sand medium and place them in a cool location for optimal root development. Ensure the sand is moist but not overly wet to avoid drowning the cuttings.
4. Monitoring and Maintenance: Check the sand medium's moisture level every 4 to 5 days and add water if it feels dry. After 20 to 30 days, when healthy roots have formed, transfer the cuttings to a nutrient-rich growing medium.
5. Choosing the Growing Medium: Transition the rooted cuttings to a nutrient-rich mix of garden soil, organic fertilizer, and coconut coir to encourage faster growth. Maintain loose soil for proper root development.
6. Caring for Young Plants: Ensure newly potted cuttings receive sufficient moisture and acclimate them gradually to light sunlight. Fertilize the plants every 20 days with organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
7. Watering: Monitor soil moisture regularly and water only when the medium becomes dry. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
8. Conclusion: By following these steps, you can successfully propagate Christmas cactus from cuttings and enjoy the journey of nurturing these stunning plants from propagation to full bloom!

First ever photograph of rare bird species New Britain Goshawk

First ever photograph of rare bird species New Britain Goshawk

The photograph captured in Papua New Guinea is a testament to community and conservation

New Britian Goshawk sits in tree in on New Britain Island, Papua New Guinea© Tom Virius / WWF Papua New Guinea
Date:

September 16, 2024

The rare New Britain Goshawk (Accipiter princeps) has been photographed for the first time in history. The bird of prey is found only on the island of New Britain in Papua New Guinea. The last documented scientific record of the bird is from 1969 and is kept at the American Museum of Natural History in New York.

Tom Vierus, a Fiji-based photographer was on a trip with WWF on the island in March 2024. As local community members led a group through the forest, Vierus took photographs of several bird species. “I wasn’t aware of the significance at the time,” says Vierus. “It was such a great surprise to hear that this photo seems to be the first-ever of this ‘lost species’!”

The sighting and photograph were confirmed by internationally-renowned ornithologists “ While there have been multiple sight-only reports of the bird, the goshawk has not been photographed or recorded in the 55 years since the last specimen was found. Today, the photograph and further details are now available on the websites of Search for Lost Birds and iNaturalist.

A biodiversity hotspot
Papua New Guinea hosts the third-largest intact tropical forest in the world, following the Amazon and Congo basins. It is remarkably diverse in terms of species, landscapes, and ecosystems with more than 5,000 lakes, extensive river systems and wetlands, 5,000 miles of mangrove swamps, lagoons, coral reefs and atolls. The Nakanai Mountains, where the New Britain Goshawk was photographed, are part of a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site and are estimated to be between 10.5-22.5 million years old

Oscar Pileng was born in Pomio in eastern New Britain and is WWF’s officer for the region. After the photo was identified, he spoke with residents in the area, who confirmed that sightings of the bird are rare and usually made in the hinterlands rather than coastal areas. In local languages, the New Britain Goshawk is called ‘keango’ or ‘kulingapa’.”

“I was amazed to hear that this is the first time it has been photographed but am very happy that an official global record now exists, says Pileng. “I hope this means more efforts are made to protect its habitat from the threats of large-scale agriculture, logging, mining and infrastructure development.”

Communities and conservation

The Pomio region is notably home to the Indigenous Mengen and Mamusi peoples, who maintain largely intact traditions and beliefs intrinsically linked to the forests, rivers, and oceans they have called home for millennia. Working closely with these matrilineal clan-based societies, WWF hopes to support local stewardship to safeguard the future of these incredible biodiversity hotspots through community-led conservation.

“There have been very few biodiversity studies in New Britain, and the potential for discovering species new to science is quite high,” says Martha Eimba, Pomio Landscape Manager for WWF-Papua New Guinea. “But it is a race to protect them, with pressures looming large and poverty a reality for many.” WWF collaborates with communities to better understand the threats the region is facing as well as social contexts, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. The goal is to develop a comprehensive program of community-based conservation.

While WWF is actively seeking partners for this important work, the government of Papua New Guinea is in the process of revising its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan ahead of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity meeting of the parties, taking place in Colombia in October 2024.

As for the record photograph, “It is wonderful to see how conservation photography can help safeguard areas by documenting the existing biodiversity and a good reminder of how important visual storytelling is,” says photographer Vierus. “I truly hope this mostly pristine part of the world can remain as intact as possible with the help of the local communities, their already existing conservation initiatives and the support of WWF.”

Scarcity and Environmental Degradation Aspect in Conservation


Scarcity and environmental degradation are two pressing issues that have become central the argument for conservation efforts. The concept scarcity refers to the limited availability of resources, whether be water, land, or wildlife. On the other, environmental degradation refers to the decline in the quality of the natural environment due to human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. Both of these issues are interconnected and pose a significant threat to ecosystems and biodiversity.

 

One key argument for conservation in the face of scarcity and environmental degradation is the need to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations. human populations continue to grow, the demand for resources such as water, food, and energy also increases. This puts pressure on ecosystems and can lead to overexploitation and depletion of resources. By implementing conservation measures, we can ensure that these resources are managed sustainably and will be available for future generations to enjoy.

 

Additionally, environmental degradation poses a threat to biodiversity and the stability of ecosystems. As habitats are destroyed and species are pushed to extinction, the balance of ecosystems is disrupted, leading to negative consequences for both the environment and human well-being. Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore habitats, promote biodiversity, and mitigate the impacts of environmental degradation. By preserving natural spaces and wildlife, we can help maintain ecosystem services, such as clean water, air, and soil, that are essential for human survival.

 

Moreover, scarcity and environmental degradation can exacerbate social and economic inequalities. For example, communities that rely on natural resources for their livelihoods may suffer disproportionately from the impacts of habitat loss and pollution. Conservation efforts that promote sustainable resource management and support local communities can help alleviate these disparities and build resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

 

In conclusion, the argument for conservation in the face of scarcity and environmental degradation is clear: we must take action to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations, maintain biodiversity and ecosystem stability, and promote social and economic equity. By working together to address these issues, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet and all its inhabitants.

Weather magic’ and wind lore: the push to preserve ancient knowledge in Vanuatu

Talking dictionaries’ among the tools used by researchers to document languages and record Indigenous environmental knowledge

Jon Letman
Fri 6 Sep 2024 21.00 BST

Joe Natuman watches for falling leaves and new shoots on trees as a sign it’s time to garden. Then, when a southern wind begins to blow in his small village in Vanuatu’s Tafea province, he is the first to plant yams. Soon, others will follow his lead.

Like his forefathers, Natuman is a tupunus, meaning he was born into a lineage that is trained to develop an understanding of how natural forces impact agriculture and wellbeing. As a tupunus, Natuman is respected for his knowledge and ability to identify and use hundreds of plant species and special inherited stones to practise “weather magic”. He also senses winds and uses weather to help his community.

But in Vanuatu, the traditional practice is at risk of fading away. Part of the problem is a loss of local languages and the knowledge that is stored with them. Young people increasingly attend school away from their village and spend less time learning from elders. At the same time, the environment is changing as once easily-found plants become more scarce due to cattle farmingforest degradation and the impact of climate change.


Now, efforts are under way to preserve that knowledge. Botanists and academics in the US and elsewhere are working with communities in Vanuatu to study and record information about the natural diversity in Tafea province, where Natuman lives. They are also researching and documenting the linguistic diversity of the area.

“Loss of this information reduces a community’s ability to cope with the rapid pace of climate change, compromising traditional livelihoods,” say Mike Balick and Greg Plunkett, botanists leading the research in Tafea.

Keeping languages alive

Language is central to the preservation of Indigenous environmental knowledge. Vanuatu has an estimated 138 languages, some only spoken by small groups.

K David Harrison is a professor at the Centre for Environmental Intelligence at Vin University in Vietnam and specialises in endangered languages. Since 2015, Harrison has been working with botanists at the New York Botanical Garden and others to carry out nature surveys in Vanuatu, including the study of nine local languages. Some are spoken by as few as 900 people but have richly nuanced vocabularies describing the natural and spiritual worlds. Many of the concepts are difficult or impossible to translate into English, because equivalents don’t exist.

Working with local communities, Harrison has created eight talking dictionaries that have proved transformative for speakers of the mostly unwritten languages. Their work has continued in recent years, and the researchers have published studies on the links between Indigenous language and environmental knowledge and how that can be used to benefit communities.


‘Tools for survival’

Harrison has also been studying “wind lore” in Vanuatu. It includes the use of “wind compasses” used for wayfinding, which has been observed and documented for centuries. These are not physical objects but rather systems used for naming specific winds. A tupunus will be able to sense how the direction and strength of a wind may indicate the presence of a particular fish species, or favourable crop planting conditions.

Across the Pacific, wind lore and its role in agriculture has not been well documented, Harrison says. In 2017, he travelled to Tafea to record systems of naming and understanding winds and how communities used this knowledge.


While some elders had memorised wind lore, he says, many young people had only fragmented knowledge of what he calls “sophisticated tools for survival”.

Presley Dovo, senior conservation officer with Vanuatu’s Department of Forests, has been working with Harrison and the other researchers to document and record wind knowledge since 2015. “The winds play a vital role in providing information to the people,” Dovo says.

Increasingly inconsistent winds can cause massive disruptions to communities, infrastructure and crops, Dovo adds. He notes that Vanuatu is especially vulnerable to climate and environmental disasters, pointing to devastating back-to-back cyclones in 2023.

Harrison likens the environmental intelligence of Vanuatu to a flexible instrument, able to detect subtle changes. He says it is vital to document and preserve languages and understanding of the environment otherwise unknown to the rest of the world.

“Pacific Island nations can really be seen as a model for Indigenous futures and how Indigenous cultures are going to not only revitalise themselves but make a significant contribution to all of humanity in helping us understand what is happening with the planet.”

Back in Tafea, as the day draws to a close, Natuman sits for an interview over a mobile phone with his son, wife and several curious community members watching from behind.

When the sun starts to go down, Natuman walks to his village nakamal – a sacred gathering place for ceremonies and kava drinking. There, speaking through an interpreter, Natuman extends an invitation to come drink kava and then says goodbye. “I’m going now to talk to my ancestors.”

Tree that Bleed Red

Pterocarpus Angolensis is a tree found in South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Tanzania, DR Congo, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

It is native to Southern Africa.

It is called Bloodwood Tree because when it's chopped, a deep red sap which looks like blood comes from the tree. #Africa

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