Ep 1. The Carbon Hunters

In the first episode of the ninth season of Frontline World, titled "The Carbon Hunters," viewers are taken on a journey through rural Zambia to explore a controversial approach to addressing climate change. The show follows a group of American entrepreneurs who have developed an innovative way to combat global warming while also providing economic benefits to a struggling community.

The entrepreneurs, known as "carbon cowboys," aim to harness the potential of carbon sequestration, a process in which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored in natural resources such as trees, soil, or oceans. By voluntarily offsetting their carbon emissions through investments in carbon credits, various companies around the world are supporting the efforts of these carbon cowboys to plant forests in Africa, as each of the matured tree removes carbon dioxide from the air. The vendors only earn profit if more and more trees remain planted.

The episode focuses on the efforts of one particular carbon cowboy, an American businessman named Dean Carlson, who has moved to Zambia to launch his ambitious carbon plantation project. With the help of local villagers, Carlson and his team are planting hundreds of thousands of trees in prime farming land that has been degraded by overuse. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a sustainable source of income for the villagers while sequestering massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are given an inside look at the complicated process of carbon credit trading and the challenges of running a project of this scale in a developing country like Zambia. Human rights groups concerned about the ownership and the control of the farmland and the people’s dependency on carbon credit schemes for basic livelihoods criticize the approach of carbon cowboys. In addition, there is concern whether the carbon credit system genuinely contributes to combating global warming.

Throughout the episode, Frontline World provides a nuanced view of the complex issues surrounding carbon sequestration and carbon credit trading. By interviewing experts, local stakeholders, and villagers, the show offers a balanced perspective on the potential benefits and drawbacks of Carlson's project. The series will leave viewers thinking about the impact of their own carbon footprint and what actions they can take to reduce it.

Overall, "The Carbon Hunters" is an engaging exploration of a fascinating and controversial approach to addressing climate change. By shining a light on issues of land ownership, carbon credit trading, and global warming, the episode raises important questions about our responsibility as global citizens to reduce our carbon footprint and risks associated with carbon trading.