Paving the Path to Positive Change
by Stefano Tempesta
This Global MBA dissertation rigorously examines whether blockchain technology can transform carbon credit markets for meaningful climate action. Through mixed-methods analysis of millions of tokenized carbon credits and stakeholder interviews across four continents, the research reveals a critical paradox: while blockchain reduces transaction costs by 85-95% and accelerates price discovery, 68% of tokenized credits demonstrate questionable environmental integrity. Moving beyond techno-optimism, the study demonstrates that blockchain's climate impact depends on thoughtful implementation, requiring hybrid governance, rigorous quality controls, and prioritizing genuine emission reductions over financial speculation. Essential reading for sustainability professionals, blockchain developers, policy makers, and business leaders navigating the intersection of emerging technology and urgent climate challenges.
In an era where climate action demands urgent innovation, this groundbreaking research examines whether blockchain technology can truly revolutionize carbon credit markets - or merely add digital complexity to existing market failures.
Through rigorous mixed-methods analysis spanning quantitative market data from millions of tokenized carbon credits and qualitative insights from stakeholders across four continents, this dissertation reveals a nuanced landscape far removed from both techno-utopian promises and blanket scepticism. The findings expose a critical paradox: while blockchain reduces transaction costs by 85-95% and accelerates price discovery by 340%, a concerning 68% of tokenized credits demonstrate questionable environmental additionality.
Author Stefano Tempesta navigates the intersection of distributed ledger technology, environmental economics, and climate finance to uncover why platforms experience boom-bust cycles, how governance token models can undermine environmental missions, and why traditional registries are outpacing technology startups in meaningful innovation. The research identifies five fundamental market inefficiencies and evaluates blockchain's differential capacity to address each, proposing a comprehensive implementation framework that balances technological efficiency with environmental integrity.
This dissertation makes vital contributions to both academic theory and practical application. It extends transaction cost economics to digital environmental markets, proposes modified innovation diffusion models for credence goods, and delivers actionable recommendations for market participants, platform developers, regulators, and environmental organizations. Most significantly, it establishes that blockchain's climate impact depends not on the technology itself, but on implementation design, requiring hybrid governance, continuous quality controls, and unwavering commitment to emission reductions over financial speculation.
Essential reading for MBA graduates, sustainability professionals, blockchain developers, and policy makers navigating the complex terrain where cutting-edge technology meets humanity's most pressing challenge: averting catastrophic climate change.
“The key insight emerging from this analysis is that blockchain amplifies existing market dynamics rather than fundamentally transforming them. In well-functioning segments with clear quality standards, blockchain enhances efficiency and transparency. In poorly regulated segments with quality uncertainty, blockchain accelerates race-to-the-bottom dynamics.”
Chapter 5, The Amplification Effect
“Blockchain technology demonstrates clear potential for transforming carbon market mechanics, yet current implementations fall short of delivering the environmental integrity required for meaningful climate impact. The critical finding is that 68% of tokenized carbon credits show questionable additionality, demonstrating that technological innovation without environmental safeguards can harm rather than help climate efforts.”
Chapter 6, The Core Paradox
“Success will not be measured by transaction volumes or token prices, but by quantifiable and permanent contributions to global emission reductions and climate goals through market mechanism improvements that only blockchain technology can enable. The way forward requires hybrid systems that prioritize environmental integrity alongside technological efficiency, combining blockchain's automation with robust governance, quality assurance mechanisms, and continuous real-world impact verification.”
Abstract and Chapter 6, The Path Forward
Activist, Peacemaker, Ambassador of the use of Technology for Good
Stefano Tempesta is an award-winning writer and software engineer whose passion for human connection across cultural divides has taken him on journeys both physical and literary across six continents. After leaving the corporate world to follow his dreams, he has dedicated himself to exploring stories of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of understanding between peoples. Drawing from his extensive travels and deep commitment to social justice, Stefano has witnessed firsthand how ordinary individuals can bridge the most impossible divides. His work of stories emerging from conflict zones, including the bestselling “Messengers of Peace” under the collective pseudonym “Stepan Buryachenko”, reflects his belief that storytelling can create change and give voice to those caught in the crossfire of history. When not writing or leading Scout groups along ancient pilgrim routes, Stefano divides his time between his home in Australia and a small town in southern Italy, with his family, his guitars, and thousands of travel photos that capture moments of human connection across cultures. His intimate knowledge of how people find common ground in the most challenging circumstances – from hidden albergues on the Camino de Santiago to grassroots peace initiatives in conflict zones – brings an authenticity to his writing that resonates with readers seeking stories of hope in divided times.
by Stepan Buryachenko
A powerful novel about love, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people in the face of war.
by Stepan Buryachenko and Stefano Tempesta
Un potente romanzo sull'amore, la resilienza e lo spirito indomabile del popolo ucraino di fronte alla guerra.
A powerful journey of transformation along the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Un potente viaggio di trasformazione lungo l'antico percorso di pellegrinaggio del Cammino di Santiago.
A comprehensive guide for Scout Leaders in Australia and around the world to develop exceptional leadership skills and create meaningful connections with youth.