Is carbon offsetting a con?
What in the World
Deep Dive
What are the three main categories of carbon offsetting projects?
The three main categories are reduction (e.g., replacing gas or coal cook stoves with solar panels), removal (e.g., planting trees or using technology to capture and store carbon dioxide), and avoidance (e.g., protecting forests to prevent CO2 release).
Why is the 'avoidance' category of carbon offsetting considered controversial?
Avoidance is controversial due to issues of permanence (ensuring long-term protection of forests) and additionality (proving that the protected forest would have been cut down without the offset funding). These challenges make it difficult to guarantee the effectiveness of such projects.
What percentage of carbon offset projects achieve the emissions reductions they claim?
Only about 16% of carbon offset projects achieve the emissions reductions they claim, according to a 2024 study published in the journal Nature. Overestimation and lack of robust assessment methods are key reasons for this low success rate.
What are some potential negative impacts of carbon offsetting on local communities?
Carbon offsetting can harm local communities through land displacement, lack of consent, and environmental damage. For example, in Cambodia, mass clearing of land for reforestation led to the removal of local people without their consent, highlighting power dynamics and human rights concerns.
What is the role of Article 6 in the Paris Climate Agreement regarding carbon offsetting?
Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement establishes a global carbon market, allowing richer nations to pay developing countries to reduce emissions and count those reductions toward their own climate targets. This was finalized at COP29 in 2023, aiming to create a structured financial flow for emissions reduction.
What is Joshua Gabriel Oluwaseyi's perspective on carbon offsetting in Nigeria?
Joshua views carbon offsetting as a complementary tool rather than a standalone solution. While it can provide jobs and revenue, he highlights concerns about land displacement and the moral implications of using Africa, which contributes less to global emissions, for offsetting purposes.
What advice does Esme Stallard give to individuals considering carbon offsetting for flights?
Esme suggests that individuals should research and be aware of the impact of carbon offsetting. While she doesn't explicitly recommend buying offsets, she emphasizes the importance of informed decisions and exploring other actions, such as supporting sustainable companies or governments.
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