Motasem Owda, based in Riga, Latvia, registered the co2rewards.com domain on January 26, 2012. CO2 Rewards launched as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme selling carbon offset units.
The effectiveness of carbon offset programs has faced scrutiny. Critics note these programs often fail to reduce actual carbon emissions, as they do not change individual pollution habits. Reports indicate less than 30% of funds spent on carbon offsets go toward actual emissions reduction efforts. Direct behavioral changes, such as cycling or shorter showers, offer a more impactful approach.
CO2 Rewards combines the purchase of these carbon offset units with an MLM compensation structure. The company website provides little specific information about its ownership or operations. It states, "CO2Rewards (CO2R) is owned and operated by Global Rewards Group Ltd." This entity is incorporated in the Official Republic of Seychelles, a jurisdiction known as a tax haven with no public business registry.
The company lists its address as Global Rewards Group Ltd, Reg No:. 103664, Suite 9, Ansuya Estate, Revolution Avenue, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles. No further corporate details for Global Rewards Group are publicly available.
Owda's LinkedIn profile identifies him as working in website development in Latvia. But his Facebook profile links him to a company called Ausante. Ausante is another MLM operation that sells "carbon offset units" through a binary compensation plan. A direct comparison of the Ausante and CO2 Rewards websites reveals identical product lines and content.