A New Chapter for Science Based Targets Initiative: Interim CEO and the Controversy Over Carbon Credits

Jenny Ehr, the chief legal officer of Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), will serve as the interim CEO after Luiz Amaral announced his resignation on July 2. The departure of Amaral, who has been in the role for more than two years, marks the end of a turbulent period at SBTi, which is known for validating corporate greenhouse gas emissions goals.

In his resignation statement, Amaral cited personal reasons that require his full attention at this time. His resignation will take effect on July 31. Some controversy surrounding SBTi’s future arose earlier this year when it was announced that the organization would consider allowing companies to use carbon credits to offset emissions. This led to calls for Amaral’s resignation from some SBTI staff and advisors.

SBTi was established in 2014 to assist companies in setting voluntary targets that align their greenhouse gas emissions reductions with the Paris Agreement. Currently, over 4,200 companies have SBTI-validated targets, with more than 440 working towards meeting its corporate net-zero standard. While some companies such as Intel and Amazon have chosen not to adhere to SBTI’s framework or faced challenges in having their targets validated like Microsoft and Walmart, others have successfully achieved their targets and are leading by example.

Franceso Starace, the chairperson of SBTi reaffirmed its mission and assured a smooth transition following Amaral’s resignation. He stated “The crucial work of SBTi will continue thanks to the committed efforts and decision of colleagues alongside the technical council and all those within companies who put their trust in SBTI.”