Carbon offset opponents 'can't see forests for the trees'


Carbon credit companies have rejected an environment group's report that questions the credibility of tree planting to offset greenhouse gas emissions.
The Total Environment Centre says trees should be used as a last resort in carbon offset projects because they are prone to fire, disease and drought.
But the CEO of Carbon Planet, Dave Sag, says his company is accredited by the New South Wales greenhouse abatement scheme.
He says forests are the most effective way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
"This is why I say people don't see the forests for the trees," he said.
"People are looking at the action of a tree, whereas what you've got to look at really is the action of entire swathes of forests covering hundreds of thousands of hectares.
"Huge forests absorb carbon at a phenomenal rate."
The forest industry has also defended the practice of planting trees to offset carbon emissions.
Tree Plantations Australia says there is a need for a national accreditation system to ensure credibility in the carbon market.
CEO Allan Hansard says his association is holding a meeting on Monday to develop such a system.
"Because we're in the business of growing trees, we'd like to see the trees grown for carbon, grown by experienced and reputable forestry companies," he said.
"We'd like to see the credits from the trees linked to sustainable forest management."
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