Hundreds of hydroelectric dams in Panama, incinerators burning garbage in India, biogas derived from palm oil in Honduras, and razed eucalyptus forests in Brazil. These projects, despite their destructive nature, are all receiving carbon credits for offsetting pollution elsewhere. But do these offsets truly reduce emissions? And at what cost to the environment and human communities?
The Carbon Rush delves into the real-world consequences of mechanisms designed to combat climate change. Traveling across four continents, this documentary exposes the devastating impacts on local populations and environments. From dispossessed indigenous communities whose livelihoods and cultural heritage are threatened to endangered landfill workers exposed to hazardous conditions, the film raises fundamental questions: Are carbon markets a viable solution to the climate crisis? Or do they exacerbate inequality, injustice, and environmental degradation?
The film's exploration of these carbon offset projects reveals a complex and often disturbing picture, where the pursuit of environmental sustainability can lead to unintended and harmful consequences.