SBTi CEO Luiz Amaral resigns amidst controversy over carbon credit offsetting policy

After two years as CEO of Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Luiz Amaral has announced his resignation. The organization was established in 2014 to help companies set voluntary targets that align with the Paris Agreement’s greenhouse gas emissions reductions. By the end of 2023, over 4,200 companies had their targets validated by SBTi, including 449 striving to meet the corporate net-zero standard.

However, some controversy arose in April when SBTi announced that it would consider allowing companies to use carbon credits to offset emissions. This sparked calls for Amaral’s resignation from certain SBTi staff and advisors. Despite this, Amaral had previously played a key role in transitioning SBTi into a standalone organization and took on the role of CEO in February 2022.

As he steps down from his position on July 31st, Jenny Ehr will serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement is conducted. Meanwhile, SBTi’s chairperson, Francesco Starace, has reaffirmed the organization’s mission and promised a seamless transition following Amaral’s resignation. He expressed confidence in the dedication of SBTi’s colleagues and technical council and the commitment of companies around the world to fulfilling the goals of the Paris Agreement. Together, they will continue to support companies in their efforts to meet their environmental commitments.