Google has agreed to purchase 50,000 metric tons of carbon removal credits from Brazilian startup Mombak by 2030, marking the tech giant's first nature-based carbon project engagement in South America. Mombak, founded in 2021, focuses on large-scale reforestation of degraded pastureland in the Amazon rainforest, using native species to capture carbon and assist in natural regeneration. This approach provides co-benefits like reversing biodiversity loss, improving watersheds, and creating jobs in local communities.
This move follows Google's previous preference for engineered removal credits and mirrors Microsoft's 2022 deal to buy up to 1.5 million credits from Mombak, which represents one of the largest nature-based carbon removal agreements, Reuters reported. While terms of the Google deal were not disclosed, Mombak’s credits have previously been priced at over $50 per ton.
Mombak’s Chief Technology Officer, Dan Harburg, emphasized the significance of Google’s involvement, expressing hope it will inspire more corporate investments. The agreement was announced during Climate Week in New York, where global stakeholders are focusing on strategies to combat carbon emissions. Recently, Meta also signed a deal for 3.9 million offset credits with BTG Pactual’s forestry division.
Involvement in voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) can significantly enhance forest conservation efforts, benefiting both local communities and participating firms. However, concerns over greenwashing—where companies may be accused of overstating or misrepresenting their environmental initiatives—pose a significant challenge. Nonetheless, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Salesforce have co-founded the Symbiosis Coalition, which aims to purchase up to 20 million tons of nature-based carbon removal credits by 2030, signaling a growing commitment from tech companies to address climate change.
