KlimaDAO is a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO) and decentralised finance (DeFi) protocol designed to combat climate change. It utilises blockchain technology to develop a carbon-backed cryptocurrency. This initiative creates a floating algorithmic reserve currency through its native KLIMA token, which is supported by carbon offsets .
KlimaDAO operates on the Polygon network, which supports fast and cost-effective transactions. The KLIMA token is minted by locking digital carbon in the KlimaDAO treasury, making it a floating algorithmic reserve currency backed by carbon offsets. The governance of KlimaDAO is decentralised, allowing token holders to vote on critical decisions, including treasury allocations. Smart contracts are used extensively, particularly in the KlimaDAO Retirement Aggregator, which facilitates the redemption and retirement of carbon credits .
KlimaDAO has various real-world applications, especially in the carbon markets. It facilitates tokenised carbon credit trading, support for renewable energy projects, and contributions to sustainable agriculture and waste management. Notable partnerships, such as with Silverpine and Polygon, highlight its use in demonstrating carbon neutrality and promoting sustainable practices in the automotive and tech industries respectively .
Founded in August 2021, KlimaDAO was created as part of a movement to integrate blockchain technology with carbon markets. It was inspired by the work of Delton Chen and the themes in Kim Stanley Robinson’s book "Ministry for the Future." The KlimaDAO infrastructure enables the migration and management of carbon credits on the blockchain. Significant milestones include the migration of over 25 million tonnes of carbon credits to its platform and collaborations with partners like Polygon to offset carbon emissions .