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ARD Premieres 'Verschollen' as Filmmakers Allege Carbon-Offset Abuses in Brazil's Cerrado

The timing targets delegates at the World Climate Conference.

Overview

  • The feature airs on Nov. 12 on Das Erste, followed by a documentary, with both available in the ARD Mediathek.
  • Director Daniel Harrich’s team presents research alleging the Tropical Forest Forever Facility drives conversion of native Cerrado into monoculture plantations that store far less CO2 than claimed.
  • The investigations describe forced displacement and violence against indigenous communities linked to land seizures for reforestation and credit projects.
  • Cast and crew report life-threatening incidents during filming, including pursuit by motorcycle riders, an armed man later flagged by a Brazilian lawyer as a contract killer, and a pre-dawn hotel evacuation.
  • The filmmakers say the broadcast is intended to trigger closer scrutiny of carbon markets by COP30 negotiators in Brazil.