The Illusion of Carbon Offsets: A Closer Look at Corporate Strategies and Greenwashing

A study published in Science has found that forest carbon offsets, a popular method for reducing carbon emissions, may not be as effective as claimed. The study audited 18 projects in five equatorial forest countries and found that the majority of carbon credits generated by these projects did not actually offset as much carbon as the sellers had claimed. The researchers identified several sources of error, including misleading historical trends and a lack of regulation in the offset market. The study highlights the need for closing loopholes and improving transparency in order to build trust in the offset marketplace.