Amazon is backing a large nature-based carbon removal project in South Africa's Eastern Cape. The plan involves planting 180 million spekboom shrubs across 200 square miles of degraded land. Spekboom is a drought-resistant succulent that absorbs carbon dioxide and helps restore soil and biodiversity. The planting is expected to finish by the end of 2028. The project is a partnership with the World Bank and other financial institutions. It is part of Amazon's Climate Pledge to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. The company has signed a long-term purchase agreement for carbon credits from the restoration. The project aims to create around 11,000 jobs by 2030 in one of South Africa's most disadvantaged regions. Local small and medium-sized enterprises will receive training in ecological reforestation.
