Carbon credits & offsets: Are they credible?
June 2023
Featuring: Celia Francis, CEO and co-founder of Ponterra; Clare Tovey, COO Carbon Neutral Royalty and Ann Siml, Senior Manager Bain & Fellow - Net Zero Carbon Markets, World Economic Forum
In June 2023, Earth Set hosted a thought-provoking discussion at Octopus EV on one of the most debated topics in climate finance: carbon credits and offsets. Featuring leaders shaping the future of carbon markets, climate tech, and large-scale restoration, the event explored the role, risks, and integrity of carbon offsetting.
🔹 Celia Francis – CEO & Co-Founder, Ponterra
A proven leader in digital and climate-focused businesses, Celia now spearheads biodiversity-rich restoration projects. Formerly Chief Commercial Officer at Earthshot Labs, she has deep expertise in channeling voluntary carbon credit financing into high-quality nature restoration. She is also a Board Member at NREP and the founder of The Art of Forests alliance.
🔹 Clare Tovey – COO, Carbon Neutral Royalty
With 13 years at Bain managing its global Sustainability & Responsibility practice, Clare now leads Carbon Neutral Royalty, financing carbon project developers in the voluntary carbon market. CNR’s largest projects focus on clean cookstoves in Africa and mangrove restoration (‘blue carbon’)—key tools in the carbon offset space.
🔹 Ann Siml – Senior Manager, Bain & Company & Fellow, Net Zero Carbon Markets, World Economic Forum
A leading force in carbon market integrity, Ann co-leads Bain’s work with the WEF to catalyze high-integrity investment in carbon markets. With expertise in energy transition and carbon finance, she helps businesses navigate the evolving net-zero landscape.
💡 Key Takeaways:
The panel tackled the credibility of carbon offsets, their role in corporate climate strategies, and the risks of greenwashing. With experience spanning carbon finance, nature-based solutions, and corporate net-zero strategies, the speakers explored what truly high-integrity carbon markets should look like—and what needs to change.
As scrutiny on voluntary carbon markets grows, the discussion underscored the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and science-backed solutions.
