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In this article, we delve into the environmental implications of Turkmenistan's Darvaza Crater and the country's challenges in managing methane emissions.

The Gates of Hell Turkmenistan

The Gates of Hell might sound like something out of a piece of fiction but it's a very real place that exists here on Earth. Formally known as Darvaza Crater, the 39-metre-wide and 30-metre-deep flaming crater, located in the Karakum desert in north-central Turkmenistan has been continuously burning for over fifty years, belching harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.


👉 In this article, we delve into the environmental implications of Turkmenistan's Darvaza Crater and the country's challenges in managing methane emissions.

What is the Darvaza Crater, aka the Gates of Hell?

The Darvaza Gas Crater is located in Turkmenistan's Karakum Desert and is named after the nearby village of Darvaza. Situated in Central Asia, the former Soviet republic is rich in oil and gas. Sitting atop the Amu-Darya Basin, large amounts of these natural resources exist beneath the crater's surface - predominantly methane. It's this methane, escaping through the crater's crust, that provides fuel for the perpetually burning flames. 

Usually methane stores like this are either harnessed by the petroleum industry or simply escape into the atmosphere unnoticed. The fact that the crater - referred to locally as the Light of Karakum - has been burning for decades is what makes this particular location stand out.

The gas crater is certainly a sight to behold, the gaping hole in the ground is constantly alight with the fiery glow of the burning methane, attracting tourists from around the world. However, in recent years the idea has been floated that the flames should be extinguished and the gas used for something more practical. 

Located in Turkmenistan’s Karakum desert, the Darvaza crater is a massive man-made sinkhole that has been leaking methane gas for decades.

It has been said that it was intentionally set alight by Soviet authorities, hoping it would burn off in a matter of weeks. However, nearly 50 years later, the crater is still burning and its true origins are still shrouded in mystery.


Video by Adrian Hartrick and Dominika Ozynska

#bbcreel #bbc #bbcnews

How the Soviets accidentally discovered the 'Gates of Hell' - BBC REEL

While the true story of the crater's origin cannot be verified, the most commonly cited reason is an industrial accident. The story goes that during the 1970s, Soviet scientists were drilling in the area when the earth collapsed forming a large gaping crater in the Earth's crust. Concerned about the release of harmful methane, they decided to try and burn the gas off, expecting it to run out within a few weeks. Little did they expect that it would still be burning five decades later! 

Origin story aside, the formation of the Gates of Hell is a result of both natural processes and human activities. It's likely that the ground gave way due to the disintegration of underground salt layers, causing the top layers to collapse and forming the crater that you see today. 

Underneath the layers of the earth is a natural gas field, filled with methane. For whatever reason, the escaping natural gas caught fire, and it has been burning ever since. Flames inside the Darvaza Gas Crater can reach between 10 and 15 metres in height, and the intense heat inside the fiery hole can reach above 1,000 degrees Celsius!

There are no silver bullets in the fight against climate change — but there are some blindingly obvious solutions that wouldn't hurt anybody. So... why aren't fossil fuel companies plugging their methane leaks? 

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#PlanetA #Methane #ClimateChange 

Read more: 
IEA Global Methane Tracker 2022: https://www.iea.org/reports/global-me...  

Global Assessment of Oil and Gas Methane Ultra-Emitters:  https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/s...  

UNEP Global Methane Assessment: https://www.unep.org/resources/report...  

Clean Air Task Force: Methane Pollution in Europe's oil and gas network: https://cdn.catf.us/wp-content/upload...  

Control Methane to Slow Global Warming: https://www.nature.com/articles/d4158...

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:52 Why Methane Matters
03:20 Hunting Methane
09:56 Ultra-Emitters
11:27 Solutions

This climate gas is scarier than CO2

Why is methane an issue in Turkmenistan? 

Turkmenistan is one of the most prolific emitters of methane. An investigation carried out by the Guardian revealed that methane leaks from two of the country's main fossil fields resulted in more global heating than the entire carbon emissions of the United Kingdom in 2022. The country was also responsible for 184 super-emitter events in the same year (ie. sites that are releasing large quantities of methane into the atmosphere).  

The country's ageing fossil fuel infrastructure is largely responsible for the methane leaks. Leaky wells, pipelines, and other industrial sites remain unresolved and continue to release harmful methane into the atmosphere. 

Why is this an issue? Well, methane (CH4) is a hydrocarbon and a primary component of natural gas. It is also a greenhouse gas which means that it affects the planet's atmosphere and global temperatures. 

Methane is the second most common greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2) and makes up around 16% of the world's GHG emissions. Even though carbon dioxide accounts for the majority of global emissions, methane is 28 times more potent than CO2 at trapping heat in the atmosphere. And over the last two decades, the level of methane in the atmosphere has more than doubled - primarily due to human activity. 

Methane also has a much shorter atmospheric lifetime than Carbon Dioxide. CO2 remains present in the atmosphere for between 300 and 1,000 years, whereas methane's atmospheric lifetime is only 12 years. Yet, because of its ability to trap more heat in the atmosphere, it is around 80 times more harmful than CO2 over its lifespan, contributing to more than a quarter of the global warming we are experiencing. 

Surprisingly, the Darvaza Gas Crater is of relatively little significance when it comes to methane emissions. Of course, the leak is harmful, however, the fact that it's burning prevents a lot of the methane gas from escaping into the atmosphere. In fact, in comparison to the country's other methane leaks, the crater's impact is much less concerning. 

The continually burning fire at the site ensures that most of the methane that escapes is turned into a mix of carbon dioxide and water vapour. It goes without saying that carbon dioxide is harmful to the environment. As a greenhouse gas, it also contributes to global warming, however, it is much less potent than methane and the least harmful of the two gases. Therefore, in its current form, the Gates of Hell aren't really considered to be a significant methane source.  

However, the unique appearance of the burning crater is still powerful in its ability to attract the attention of the global media. The image of the burning crater serves as a visually arresting symbol of the country's high methane emissions. 

Even though the Darvaza Crater isn't considered to be a significant methane source, it's still harmful to the environment and responsible for releasing significant quantities of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Additionally, the burning of natural gas results in harmful pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (So2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. 

Pollution and greenhouse gases aside, the crater also has the potential to impact the environment negatively in other ways. For a start, it's situated in the Karakum desert, a fragile ecosystem with unique vegetation and wildlife. The continuous burning has the potential to impact this. Additionally, the fact that the Gates of Hell has become a major tourist attraction also means that the area is experiencing increased foot traffic, pollution from transportation, and growing waste.

These considerations have led some to call for the fires to be extinguished and for the gas to be sealed to prevent it from escaping from the earth. So, how might this be achieved? 

As it turns out, extinguishing the fire is a relatively simple task. It could easily be achieved by spraying quick-dry cement into the crater floor. You simply need to remove the oxygen that is fuelling the fire. Unfortunately, this is only part of the issue, extinguishing the fire doesn't seal the methane source. The methane would simply find other ways to reach the surface. And without the flame to burn off the gas, this would actually cause more harm than it does now.  

The solution is therefore not quite so simple, it requires understanding what exactly is going on inside the Darvaza Crater. If the subsurface fissure responsible for the gas could be identified then a more effective solution could potentially be within grasp. For example, concrete could be inserted into the rupture, essentially plugging the source. However, without exploratory work to understand the source of the methane nothing can be done. Some experts worry that even if engineers could identify the source, sealing an underground rupture might not even be possible - at the very minimum, it certainly wouldn't be easy. 

Another option that could potentially be considered is the use of explosive devices to seal off the methane source. This works by delivering an explosive device close to the source of the methane. The explosion removes the oxygen, extinguishing the fire, while also destroying the rupture responsible for the leak of methane. This method has already been employed to extinguish industrial well fires. Yet, this option seems unlikely with experts highlighting the potential dangers of such a technique. 

Without any obvious solution to the issue, some experts have simply recommended that the government of Turkmenistan simply let it burn. After all, carbon dioxide is preferable to methane, and when compared to other methane sources within the country the Gates of Hell is comparatively insignificant. 

Interestingly, the Darvaza Crater, while an environmental concern, also offers unexpected scientific insights that complicate the decision to extinguish it. In 2013, the Extreme Microbiome Project led by George Kourounis collected soil samples from the crater’s base, revealing extremophiles - heat-adapted bacteria thriving in its extreme conditions. These discoveries have sparked scientific curiosity about how life can survive in such harsh environments, offering valuable information for understanding ecosystems both on Earth and potentially on other planets. This unique opportunity for scientific exploration adds another layer of complexity to the debate on whether the fires should be extinguished, as the crater not only poses environmental risks but also contributes to critical research. 

Known as the "Gates of Hell," the Darvaza Gas Crater has long been a hot tourist spot for Turkmenistan. 

The huge crater is a sight to behold, but it's also been on fire for decades. It's off the beaten track in central Turkmenistan and is about the size of a hockey rink. There are conflicting stories about its origins, though it's been described as part-natural phenomenon and part-industrial accident. 

But President Serdar Berdymukhamedov now has a burning desire to seal the infernal attraction forever. Mike Armstrong explains how the inferno ignited, and why it's causing concern.

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Turkmenistan seeks to seal "Gates of Hell" tourist spot for good

The Gates of Hell might grab most of the headlines, but it's just a small part of the country's wider methane issue. Even in the area surrounding area, there are other gas craters, for example, just 23km down the road is a crater filled with water where methane gas bubbles can be seen rising to the surface. 

Turkmenistan, rich in natural gas reserves, faces significant challenges when it comes to managing its methane emissions - something that is essential for reducing global GHG emissions and limiting global warming. 

The country's legacy of Soviet-era infrastructure contributes largely to its methane problem. Ageing pipelines, inefficient gas extraction methods, and poorly maintained equipment lead to significant methane leakage.

National efforts to curb methane emissions

Recognising the environmental and economic costs of these emissions, Turkmenistan has begun to take steps to address the issue. In 2023, the president launched initiatives to try and curb methane emissions stemming from the country's oil and gas sector. A roadmap has also been carved out, paving the way for the country to potentially join the 150 signatories to the Global Methane Pledge, aiming to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2023. 

Measures to reduce emissions include modernising legislation, collaborating with foreign partners to set up projects, and partnering with the International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO). Additionally, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov has stressed that the country is investing in modernising the oil and gas sector, with an emphasis on reducing methane emissions. 

This all sounds great, however, critics warn that the Turkmenistan government is hesitant to spend money on initiatives and that the success of cutting methane emissions will likely hinge on the availability of foreign investment. Another significant issue is tracking and monitoring methane emissions and the effectiveness of any measures to reduce them. Turkmenistan is an authoritarian state, so gathering accurate information remains challenging. 

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a critical responsibility for businesses across all industries. As companies face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints and contribute to global decarbonisation efforts, it’s essential to have the right tools in place to manage, track, and reduce emissions effectively. Greenly offers a full suite of carbon management services that empower businesses to make informed decisions and take meaningful action towards sustainability goals.

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In this article, we'll delve into the formation, impacts, and future of atmospheric rivers, exploring their significance in the context of a changing climate.

What are atmospheric rivers?

Atmospheric rivers, sometimes referred to as "rivers in the sky," are long, narrow bands of concentrated moisture in the atmosphere that play a vital role in global weather patterns. These meteorological phenomena, which can stretch for thousands of kilometers, are responsible for significant rainfall and snowpack, particularly in coastal regions. Understanding atmospheric rivers is increasingly crucial as their intensity and frequency are influenced by climate change, leading to both beneficial water supplies and devastating floods. 

👉 In this article, we'll delve into the formation, impacts, and future of atmospheric rivers, exploring their significance in the context of a changing climate.

Atmospheric rivers are vast, flowing corridors of water vapor suspended in the atmosphere, typically concentrated in narrow bands. These so-called "rivers in the sky" can transport immense amounts of moisture across long distances, often moving from tropical regions toward higher latitudes. When this moisture encounters mountain ranges or other geographic features, it is forced upwards, cools, and condenses, leading to heavy rainfall or snowfall. Atmospheric rivers are a crucial component of the Earth's hydrological cycle, delivering beneficial precipitation but also posing significant risks when they cause severe flooding.

These atmospheric phenomena are typically a few hundred kilometers wide but can stretch for thousands of kilometers. The most famous example is the "Pineapple Express" which channels moisture from Hawaii to the West Coast of the United States, often resulting in intense winter storms. The strength and impact of an atmospheric river depend on various factors, including its size, moisture content, and the regions it affects.

Understanding atmospheric rivers is essential, especially as their behavior is closely linked to climate patterns and variability. Scientists use a combination of satellite data, weather models, and ground-based observations to study these phenomena, improving our ability to predict their occurrence and mitigate their potential impacts.

An atmospheric river can bring intense rain, winds and snow.

What is an atmospheric river? l ABC News

Atmospheric rivers form when large quantities of water vapor are transported from tropical regions toward higher latitudes, driven by complex atmospheric dynamics. These formations typically occur within the lower atmosphere, where warm, moisture-rich air masses are carried over long distances. The primary driver of these atmospheric rivers is the jet stream, a fast-flowing air current that guides these moist air masses along its path.

The process begins when atmospheric pressure gradients create strong winds that funnel moisture from the oceans into narrow bands. These winds, often originating from tropical regions, carry vast amounts of water vapor into higher latitudes. The jet stream plays a crucial role by steering these moist air masses, determining their trajectory and intensity.

As the atmospheric river travels, it often encounters natural barriers such as mountain ranges. When the moist air is forced upward by these barriers, it undergoes a process known as orographic lift. This causes the air to cool and condense, forming clouds and eventually leading to rain. The intensity of this precipitation depends on several factors, including the temperature of the air, the amount of moisture, the speed of the wind, and the specific topography of the region.

The formation and movement of atmospheric rivers are also influenced by various global climate patterns, including El Niño and La Niña. During El Niño years, for example, shifts in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean can alter the position of the jet stream, leading to more frequent and intense atmospheric rivers in certain regions. Conversely, La Niña conditions can shift these patterns, influencing where and how strongly atmospheric rivers impact various coastlines.

Atmospheric rivers transfer massive amounts of water over thousands of miles, bringing flooding and winds to wherever they make landfall. Read more: https://wapo.st/3CE42qS. Subscribe to The Washington Post on YouTube: https://wapo.st/2QOdcqK

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How an atmospheric river works

Types and classifications of atmospheric rivers

Atmospheric rivers vary widely in their characteristics, and scientists classify them based on factors such as intensity, size, and impact. The most common classification system ranks atmospheric rivers on a scale from weak to extreme, similar to how hurricanes are categorised.

Weak Atmospheric Rivers: These events generally bring light to moderate rainfall and are often beneficial, contributing to water supply and snowpack without causing significant damage.

Moderate Atmospheric Rivers: These can result in substantial rainfall, sometimes leading to localised flooding, particularly in vulnerable regions. While still manageable, they require monitoring and preparation, especially in areas with already saturated ground.

Strong Atmospheric Rivers: These events bring heavy precipitation and can lead to widespread flooding, landslides, and other severe weather-related impacts. Strong atmospheric rivers are particularly concerning for areas prone to flash floods and those with inadequate infrastructure.

Extreme Atmospheric Rivers: At the highest end of the scale, these are rare but incredibly powerful events that can deliver extreme rainfall over a short period, leading to catastrophic flooding, severe landslides, and extensive damage. These atmospheric rivers can also disrupt transportation, power supplies, and emergency services.

Additionally, atmospheric rivers are sometimes classified by their moisture content and temperature. For example, warm atmospheric rivers, which carry moisture from tropical regions, can cause rapid snowmelt and exacerbate flooding, especially in mountainous areas.

Atmospheric rivers offer both significant benefits and considerable risks. On one hand, they are crucial for replenishing water supplies, particularly in drought-prone regions. For example,

in California, these weather systems provide up to half of the state’s annual rainfall, replenishing critical water supplies and contributing to snowpack in the Sierra Nevada mountains. 

However, the same atmospheric rivers can also be destructive. When they carry excessive moisture or stall over a region, they can lead to severe flooding, landslides, and widespread infrastructure damage. Coastal and mountainous regions are particularly vulnerable, as the heavy rainfall can overwhelm rivers, dams, and drainage systems. Notable events like the Pineapple Express (the name given to the atmospheric river that impacts the west coast of the US and Canada) have caused billions of dollars in damages and claimed lives due to flooding and related disasters. In early 2024 for example, California suffered from widespread flooding, mudslides, and power outages as a result of an atmospheric river stalling over the region. 

Similarly, in January 2024, British Columbia experienced record-breaking temperatures and rainfall due to an atmospheric river, leading to rapid snowmelt, flooding, and landslides, causing widespread disruption across the region. 

The damaging impacts of atmospheric rivers are not just localised to the west coast of North America, it’s a global issue. In February 2020 for example, the United Kingdom was hit hard by an atmospheric river associated with Storm Dennis. This event led to record-breaking rainfall across parts of the UK, particularly in South Wales, where some areas saw more than a month's worth of rain in just 48 hours. The intense and prolonged rainfall resulted in widespread flooding, leaving thousands of homes underwater, disrupting transportation networks, and causing an estimated £360 million in economic losses.

These real-life examples illustrate how atmospheric rivers, while beneficial, can also be incredibly destructive at times. 

An atmospheric river storm has battered California with record amounts of rain, destructive mudslides, and violent winds. 
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The intense weather caused flooding and triggered mud and debris flows in the Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica mountains. Nearly 38 million people are under flood alerts across the state and into Arizona, including about 10 million people in Los Angeles county. "This has been a tough day for our city," said Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass. 

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#California #Weather #LA #Storms

A deadly, atmospheric-river fuelled storm is causing chaos across California

The study of atmospheric rivers has advanced significantly with the development of sophisticated technology and methodologies. Scientists use a combination of satellite observations, radar systems, and computer models to monitor and predict these weather phenomena.

Satellites play a crucial role by capturing real-time data on moisture levels, wind patterns, and temperature, providing a global view of atmospheric rivers as they form and evolve. For example, NASA's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and the European Space Agency’s Sentinel satellites are vital tools in tracking these systems.

Ground-based radar systems complement satellite data by offering detailed information on precipitation rates and storm intensity. These radars are particularly useful in regions where atmospheric rivers make landfall, such as the western coasts of North America and Europe. Additionally, weather balloons are launched to gather atmospheric data at different altitudes, helping to refine models that predict the path and intensity of atmospheric rivers.

Computer models, which incorporate data from satellites, radars, and weather balloons, simulate atmospheric conditions to forecast the behavior of atmospheric rivers. These models are continuously improved as new data becomes available, enhancing the accuracy of predictions. For instance, the Global Forecast System (GFS) and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) are widely used for this purpose.

In recent years, research aircraft equipped with advanced sensors have also been deployed to fly into atmospheric rivers, collecting direct measurements of temperature, humidity, and wind speed. This data is invaluable for understanding the inner workings of these systems and improving forecast models.

Chasing Atmospheric RiversDid you know the atmosphere is in a constant state of chaos?! Scripps Oceanography alumna Tashiana Osborne (PhD ’21) discusses the extreme lengths scientists go to study one particular phenomena: atmospheric rivers. These rivers in the sky form over the ocean and carry moisture in the atmosphere, bringing rain and snow when they make landfall along the Western U.S. They are vital for water supply in the West, but can also cause hazards like flooding and landslides. Osborne talks to Scripps alumna Kate Furby about the importance of improving our ability to forecast atmospheric rivers, and how climate change is contributing to wild swings of extreme drought and wet seasons. Dr. Osborne is now a postdoctoral scholar at Johns Hopkins University. 

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0:24 Welcome to Wavelengths!
0:50 Introducing hydrometeorologist Tashiana Osborne
1:12 What is an atmospheric river?
1:32 Can you see an atmospheric river?
2:05 How much water is in atmospheric rivers?
2:43 How do atmospheric rivers affect me?
3:33 How did you get interested in researching atmospheric rivers?
4:08 The atmosphere is in a constant state of chaos
4:32 How are you able to study atmospheric rivers?
4:59 Is climate change affecting extreme weather?

The study of atmospheric rivers is increasingly linked to the impacts of climate change, as research and models reveal how global warming is intensifying these weather systems. According to recent findings, climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers by enhancing the moisture-carrying capacity of the atmosphere. This results in heavier precipitation and more extreme events. These changes are already being observed, such as in the January 2024 atmospheric river event in British Columbia, which brought unprecedented rainfall and record temperatures.

 The link between climate change and atmospheric rivers is particularly evident in the behavior of these systems over the past few decades. Research shows that warmer temperatures allow atmospheric rivers to carry more moisture, leading to more intense rainfall when they make landfall. This has significant implications for regions prone to flooding and other extreme weather events.

The evolution of climate models has been crucial in predicting these shifts. Advanced forecasting methods now integrate climate data to better anticipate how atmospheric rivers will behave in a warming world.

A recent study published in Nature Communications highlights a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of atmospheric rivers, driven largely by climate change. The study found that, over the past several decades, the strongest atmospheric rivers have become more common and more powerful. Specifically, the research indicates a notable rise in the frequency of extreme atmospheric rivers, with these events becoming longer-lasting and carrying more moisture. This intensification leads to increased risks of heavy rainfall and severe flooding in affected regions.

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Metric</th>
      <th>Observation Period</th>
      <th>Key Findings</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Frequency of Extreme ARs</td>
      <td>Last 40 years</td>
      <td>Increased by up to 50% in some regions</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Intensity (Moisture Transport)</td>
      <td>Recent Decades</td>
      <td>Significant increase in moisture content</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Duration of Extreme AR Events</td>
      <td>Recent Decades</td>
      <td>Longer-lasting events, leading to higher impact</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>


Atmospheric river mitigation and preparation

Given the increasing intensity and frequency of atmospheric rivers, preparedness, and mitigation strategies have become essential for minimising their impacts. Regions prone to these events are investing in advanced forecasting systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and developing comprehensive emergency response plans.

For example, California has implemented enhanced flood management strategies, such as upgrading levees and reservoirs, to better manage the extreme precipitation brought by atmospheric rivers. Public awareness campaigns also play a crucial role in educating communities on how to prepare for and respond to these potentially destructive events.

Proactive measures, including improved land-use planning and investment in green infrastructure like wetlands and forests, are also being adopted to absorb excess rainfall and reduce the risks of flooding and landslides.

These strategies are vital in adapting to the changing nature of atmospheric rivers and ensuring that communities can better withstand their impacts.

Atmospheric rivers are vital yet potentially destructive natural phenomena that are becoming more intense due to climate change. While improving preparedness and mitigation strategies is crucial, addressing the root cause - global warming - is equally important. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources are essential steps in curbing the intensification of atmospheric rivers. By tackling climate change directly, we can help mitigate the risks these powerful systems pose to communities and ecosystems worldwide.

How Greenly can help you company become more sustainable

As the global emphasis on sustainable practices intensifies, businesses are increasingly recognising the need to integrate environmental responsibility into their operations. To achieve sustainability goals - whether driven by regulatory demands or stakeholder expectations - a thorough and strategic approach is essential. Greenly is here to guide you through this journey with a range of sustainability solutions designed to streamline and enhance your path to greater environmental stewardship.

Greenly offers a complete suite of carbon management services that enable businesses to effectively measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint:

GHG Emissions Measurement: Utilising our sophisticated tools, Greenly helps you assess your Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This detailed analysis provides a clear overview of your greenhouse gas output, empowering you to target reduction efforts effectively.

Tailored Action Plans: Work with Greenly’s climate experts to create customised strategies that meet your business's unique needs. We help identify key impact areas and implement targeted actions that drive sustainable progress and substantial emission reductions.

Supply Chain Decarbonisation: Managing Scope 3 emissions from your supply chain can be challenging but is essential for holistic sustainability. Greenly supports you in engaging with suppliers, shifting to low-carbon options, and fostering sustainable partnerships, ensuring transparency and significant reductions throughout your supply chain.

User-Friendly Platform: Greenly’s intuitive platform makes the process of tracking and managing your carbon footprint less of a headache. Our seamless interface integrates sustainability into your operations, making it easier to monitor progress toward your ESG goals and manage your environmental impact.

Start your path to sustainability today with Greenly. Together, we can create a better future for your business and the planet.

In this article, we’ll provide an overview of ESG, if an ESG certificate is worth acquiring, and which ESG certification may be right for your company.

ESG Certification: Does it Really Exist?

As the push for sustainability continues to kick into full-drive, companies around the world are looking to acquire whichever certifications or credentials they can in order to demonstrate their commitment to environmental reform – but what about an ESG certification?

An ESG certification can help to demonstrate your commitment to environmental, social, and governance criteria – but does it really exist?

An ESG certification provides companies with ample knowledge on how to manage ESG funds and other business activities related to environmental, social, and governance factors. 


💡 Acquiring an ESG certification can help your company to gain a competitive edge in the midst of a global push for sustainability, improve communication with your stakeholders, help to better manage your suppliers, and more.

ESG has become one of the most important identifiers for businesses today as it remains a key indicator for how well a company works to comply with stakeholder expectations, comply with environmental regulations, navigate risk management, and employ long-term sustainability efforts.

Diana is a recent graduate and a young professional working as an ESG and Sustainability Consultant at PwC in Hong Kong. Before joining PwC, Diana accumulated valuable insights through internships in sustainability roles in both Hong Kong and South Korea. These experiences equipped her with a holistic understanding of sustainability practices. Diana obtained the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing in 2023. In this episode, she shares her exam experience and study tips with us. For more information, you can feel free to reach out to Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-jeo...

ABOUT THE EPISODE 
0:00 Intro
0:56 Self Introduction
2:13 ESG consulting work at Big Four
4:25 Reasons for taking the exam
4:57 Exam syllabus and topics
7:07 Topics most relevant to work
7:45 Exam details: timeline/ learning materials
9:54 Level of difficulty? Do you need Finance/ESG background?
11:13 Would you recommend taking the exam? If yes, who?
12:25 Study tips
13:16 Wrap up

ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY CAREER SERIES 
This Sustainability Career series is about career stories in the ESG or Sustainability sector.

ABOUT THE CHANNEL 
This channel shares sustainability stories worldwide.

ABOUT HOST 
Natalie is a passionate advocate for corporate impact. She studied Environmental Management in Hong Kong and currently works in the ESG/Sustainability research and consulting industry in Toronto. In her work, she aspires to contribute to the creation of a sustainable and equitable future by helping businesses make strategic decisions. On YouTube, she aims to inspire positive change by sharing impactful sustainability stories.

REFERENCES
CFA Institute - Certificate in ESG Investing: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/progr...

Getting the CFA ESG Investing Certificate: Tips from a Big Four ESG Consultant

Environmental – This aspect of ESG refers to how a companies business activities may negatively impact the planet, such as how they affect air pollution, their water usage, and efforts to employ energy efficiency or renewable energy. 

Social – The component of ESG refers to how a company employs human rights, fair labor practices, and engages the surrounding community.

Governance – This part of ESG refers to how a company is managed, their efforts to take accountability and exhibit transparency, their ethical behavior, and ability to comply with environmental regulations.

👉 As it can be challenging to validate all of this criteria across multiple certifications, many companies will seek an ESG certification to demonstrate their commitment to ESG values across the board.

An ESG certification is worth it for any businesses looking to demonstrate their long-term commitment to sustainability alongside a goal to improve their profit and overall brand recognition, as acquiring an ESG certification can help to attract new talent, customers, and business partnerships.


💡 Any company looking to improve their sustainability, risk management, or ESG investments is likely to benefit from an ESG certification – making the at times tedious process worthwhile.

It is important to note that committing to an ESG certification will require a long-term commitment to employing sustainable practices across your organisation, in addition to being willing to adjust them accordingly to ensure compliance with your ESG certification.

Here are just a few of the things a company may learn while undergoing the process to acquire an ESG certification:

Learning new approaches to utilise ESG investments

Tools to uncover underlying issues within your business related to ESG

Gain tools to better understand global sustainability initiatives

Improved understanding of the current ESG market

Expertise in how to address material impacts

Conduct improved ESG analysis and assessments 

Analyze ESG factors and adjust them accordingly to improve business performance

👉 Ultimately, seeking an ESG certification can help your business to become better equipped to handle a wide variety of issues while also helping to expand your company’s success long-term.

While there are various ESG certifications available, there is no universal ESG certification – such as how there is a universal standard for setting emission reduction targets with the SBTi. 

💡Although there is no universal ESG certification, there are several options for your company to pursue – such as acquiring an ESG certification with SGS or taking part in an ESG leadership program with Oxford.

Since there is no standardised framework for ESG, organisations who offer ESG certifications will develop their own guidelines based on various criteria – such as by following the criteria depicted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Ultimately, an ESG certification should validate a company’s efforts to rectify their current activities related to environmental, social, and governance.

👉 As there is no single ESG certification, many companies will often opt to acquire more than one ESG-based certification, such as via the GRI, SASB, CDP, ISO 14001, B Corp, and additional certifications depending on their sector and main goal when looking to become ESG certified.

The table below will compare and contrast current ESG certifications on the market:

<table border="1" cellpadding="10">
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Certification</th>
      <th>Focus</th>
      <th>Pros</th>
      <th>Cons</th>
      <th>Best Suited For</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Certification</td>
      <td>Sustainability reporting and ESG integration</td>
      <td>
        - Global recognition <br>
        - Enhances transparency in ESG disclosures <br>
        - Widely used framework
      </td>
      <td>
        - Can be complex and time-consuming to implement <br>
        - Mostly reporting-based, less focused on actionable investments
      </td>
      <td>Sustainability professionals, CSR managers, compliance officers</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing</td>
      <td>Integration of ESG factors into investment decisions</td>
      <td>
        - Tailored for financial professionals <br>
        - Highly reputable within the finance industry <br>
        - Practical focus on ESG in investments
      </td>
      <td>
        - Limited to financial sector focus <br>
        - Requires prior knowledge in finance
      </td>
      <td>Investment managers, portfolio analysts, financial professionals</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sustainalytics ESG Fundamentals Certification</td>
      <td>ESG analysis and sustainable finance</td>
      <td>
        - In-depth training in ESG <br>
        - Broad application for finance professionals <br>
        - High demand for professionals with these skills
      </td>
      <td>
        - Primarily finance-focused <br>
        - Requires ongoing updates with new ESG regulations
      </td>
      <td>Investment professionals, analysts, and ESG risk managers</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Fundamentals</td>
      <td>Incorporating ESG into financial reporting</td>
      <td>
        - Industry-specific ESG standards <br>
        - Focused on the financial impact of sustainability
      </td>
      <td>
        - Limited to financial and accounting roles <br>
        - Less focus on broader sustainability goals
      </td>
      <td>Accountants, financial analysts, corporate financial officers</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>PRI Academy ESG Integration Course</td>
      <td>Incorporating ESG factors into sustainable investments</td>
      <td>
        - Comprehensive ESG integration training <br>
        - Shorter duration compared to other courses <br>
        - Practical application
      </td>
      <td>
        - Lacks certification recognition <br>
        - Mainly for beginner to intermediate professionals
      </td>
      <td>Investment professionals, fund managers, sustainability analysts</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA)</td>
      <td>ESG valuation and integration into investment analysis</td>
      <td>
        - Europe-wide recognition <br>
        - Focus on ESG metrics and valuation <br>
        - Highly relevant for finance professionals
      </td>
      <td>
        - Primarily focused on the European market <br>
        - Requires understanding of ESG financial tools
      </td>
      <td>Financial analysts, ESG risk evaluators, European investors</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>CDP Climate Change Course</td>
      <td>Climate-related risks and environmental disclosure</td>
      <td>
        - Focuses on climate risks <br>
        - Highly relevant for environmental disclosure and sustainability
      </td>
      <td>
        - Limited focus on social and governance aspects <br>
        - Primarily environmental-centric
      </td>
      <td>Executives, sustainability professionals, risk managers</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>




What are the pros and cons of an ESG certification?

There are several pros and cons to acquiring an ESG certification, such as the ability to improve risk management, attract ESG-focused investors, or to gain a competitive advantage – but pursuing an ESG certification could be costly and boost potential skepticism of greenwashing.

Here are some of the pros of acquiring an ESG certification:  

Greater Trust & Accountability – An ESG certification can help to demonstrate your company’s commitment to sustainability, which can curate greater trust with your stakeholders, employees, and allow businesses to take accountability for their actions.

New Investment Opportunities – Companies with an ESG certification are likely to attract ESG-focused investors, which can allow for new funding opportunities to expand your business. 

Improved Risk Management – ESG certifications can help to modify environmental and governance practices, which in turn can help to improve risk management – helping companies to better prepare in the event of a natural disaster.

Regulatory Compliance – An ESG certification can guide companies to comply with current and future regulatory requirements, as many of the standards depicted in various ESG certifications will be one-step-ahead.

Expensive & Time Consuming – Obtaining an ESG certification can be costly and take up time as it requires  auditing and ongoing monitoring. Therefore, a smaller company may struggle to acquire an ESG certification.

Lack of Universal ESG Certification – Since there isn’t a global standard for ESG, companies may need to comply with multiple frameworks, such as the GRI or SASB – especially if their business operates worldwide.

Potential Greenwashing – As there is no universal ESG certification, it’s possible that customers and stakeholders will critique the ESG certification your company has acquired – which could lead to your company being accused of greenwashing. 

Cost-Benefit Ratio – While an ESG certification could prove valuable for companies that work in energy or manufacturing, it may prove less worthwhile for smaller businesses that aren’t as highly associated with the global push for sustainability.            

👉 Since an ESG certification can prove time consuming and costly, it is important for your company to find the most suitable ESG certification for your business to reap all of the possible benefits.

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