Amazon's forest carbon bet in South Africa signals growth in nature-based climate finance

Why is Amazon backing forest carbon in South Africa?

Amazon's investment in South African forest carbon projects reflects a wider shift in corporate climate strategy. Rather than rely solely on renewable energy or technology-based offsets, major corporations are now recognising that nature-based solutions can deliver both carbon sequestration and measurable environmental co-benefits at scale.

The appeal is straightforward. Forest projects lock carbon into trees and soil for decades, restore degraded land, and support local livelihoods. For companies with long-term net-zero commitments, nature-based credits offer a tangible way to retire emissions whilst contributing to ecosystem health. South Africa's woodland ecosystems, combined with robust carbon accounting frameworks, make the region attractive for both project developers and corporate buyers.

This trend is not isolated to Amazon. Global climate finance mechanisms are increasingly directing capital towards nature-based solutions, even as discussions about World Bank targets continue. The voluntary carbon market for forest projects has expanded significantly, with projects in Africa and Southeast Asia attracting billions in corporate investment.

What does this mean for UK businesses and individuals?

For UK businesses with Scope 3 emissions (supply chain and customer-related CO₂), nature-based offsets provide a route to verified, long-term carbon retirement. Unlike temporary or short-lived solutions, forest projects can sequester carbon for 30 to 100 years depending on management and forest type. This makes them attractive for companies seeking credible net-zero pathways.

Individual UK carbon footprints are similarly important. The average British household generates around 10 tonnes of CO₂e annually, with transport, heating, and consumption as the largest sources. While reducing emissions at source is always the priority, verified offsets allow households to address unavoidable emissions. Offset Britain enables both audiences: Individual from £5.99 a month, Business from £566 a year. Our schemes include forest protection, agroforestry, and renewable energy projects with transparent carbon accounting.

The South Africa example also highlights the importance of additionality and verification. Not every forest project delivers genuine climate benefit. Credible offsets come from schemes meeting international standards (VCS, Gold Standard) that prove the carbon would not have been sequestered without the project. When choosing an offset provider, UK buyers should check that projects undergo rigorous third-party auditing and deliver measurable emissions reductions.

Sport and carbon: today's matchday footprint

International football tournaments generate significant emissions from travel, stadium operations, and catering. Today's three fixtures across North America and Mexico will draw approximately 161,500 spectators, with estimated combined matchday emissions of roughly 11,887 tonnes of CO₂e.

Methodology: blended 80 kg CO₂e per attending spectator for international fixtures, covering travel (dominant), stadium operations, catering, and broadcast. Source: FIFA per-spectator tournament footprint and BASIS domestic matchday data. Venue assignments are illustrative; refer to the official FIFA schedule for confirmed fixtures.

Written and reviewed by the Offset Britain editorial team. Last reviewed 4 July 2026.

Sources & Methodology

1. Carbon Credits: Amazon's forest carbon bet in South Africa
2. Carbon Brief: World Bank climate finance targets
3. FIFA per-spectator tournament footprint methodology and BASIS domestic matchday emissions data
4. Offset Britain: carbon offsetting plans and verified project portfolio

Photo by Jan Wright.