An alliance of crypto firms is introducing tokenized carbon credits for individuals to offset the amount of carbon dioxide they contribute.

According to a Tuesday annunciation, the Universal Protocol Alliance has launched a tradable carbon token on a public blockchain. The UPA stated that crypto users can "burn" the Universal Carbon token, UPCO2, to offset their carbon footprint. Notwithstanding, they besides have the pick of holding the tokens or trading them like whatever other digital asset using Uphold, a major U.S. cryptocurrency wallet and trading platform that's also a member of the UPA.

1 UPCO2 token represents a verified project in the rainforest reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by one metric ton annually. The brotherhood employs digital certificates issued past Verra, an international standards agency that allows certified projects to turn their greenhouse gas reductions into tradable carbon credits.

"The projects we back up through carbon credit purchases forbid deforestation in the Amazon, Congo Basin and Indonesia as well as other threatened rainforests," said UPA chairman Matthew Le Merle. "At a key moment for climate modify, UPCO2 allows people worldwide to benefit for the planet and potentially do well for themselves."

The voluntary carbon credits backing these carbon tokens reportedly "should eventually fetch the same price anywhere," as what they represent — a metric ton of carbon per year — is measured the same for whatsoever company seeking to offset its carbon footprint. The "dollar-denominated, globally-recognized, fungible and perennial assets" should maintain their option value until used. Le Merle said:

"Combine a digital asset with a rainforest carbon offset and give everyone in the globe access. How could that not be a great idea?"

Some companies take been developing tokenized carbon credits and blockchain solutions for the surroundings as the threat from climatic change looms. In Apr, the International Sleeping accommodation of Commerce appear information technology would be working to bring higher liquidity to the carbon market through the use of blockchain.

The UPA is a coalition of cryptocurrency and blockchain companies that seeks to accelerate the adoption of blockchain every bit a mainstream financial technology. Information technology includes organizations such as Bittrex Global, Uphold, Ledger, CertiK and Infinigold.