When we mention environmental crime to organisations the first comment I often get is ‘very interesting, but that doesn’t really apply to us as we don’t import animals or we don’t do mining or logging’. Then I ask them if they are involved with carbon offsetting in the strive to demonstrate that they are ‘net zero’ on carbon emissions. When they say yes I then tell them about the level of fraud in some of these schemes (even ignoring the debate as to whether such schemes is a fraud in itself!). Suddenly I have their attention. So if this applies to you or your organisation read on……
In a recent study by University of Australia they found that of the many schemes they researched many were getting carbon credits for not clearing forests that were never going to be cleared, growing trees that were already there, growing forests in places that will never sustain permanent forests and operating electricity generators at large landfills that would have operated anyway.
In one of the worst examples we have heard about a supposed forest of new trees turned out to be a car park with no trees planted!!
Verifying the green credentials of such schemes is a challenge for investors and organisations alike but acknowledging and understanding the risks is also key.
On that note anyone interested in learning more about environmental crime and how it could impact their organisation can now pre-register for our new digital course ‘Understanding Environmental Crime’.
In this on demand digital course we will explain what environmental crime is, how it might impact your organisation and the people it serves as well as what you can do to minimise the risks.
In this course you will learn:
1. What is Environmental Crime
2. The different types of environmental crime including: Wildlife crime; Illegal mining; pollution crime; Illegal fishing , and Illegal logging and the associated trade in stolen timber
3. How this could impact your organisation, including supply chain risks
4. Greenwashing – is it a crime?
5. Steps you can take to minimise the risks
This course is aimed at risk, compliance and audit professionals or anyone who has an interest in reducing the impacts of environmental crime including those responsible for their organisation’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy.
You can pre-register your interest using the link in the comments below and get a 20% discount on the final registration fee.
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