Over 80 nonprofit organizations unite to oppose the integration of carbon offset credits in climate strategies, arguing that such measures hinder genuine greenhouse gas emission reductions and undermine the fight against climate change.
Nonprofit Organizations Condemn Use of Carbon Offsets in Climate Strategies
Over 80 nonprofit organizations, including ClientEarth, ShareAction, Oxfam, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace, have issued a joint statement opposing the inclusion of carbon offset credits in climate strategies. These groups argue that offsets undermine efforts for genuine greenhouse gas emission reductions and should be excluded from climate regulations.
Carbon offsets allow companies and governments to invest in projects like reforestation to mitigate their emissions. In 2023, entities used approximately 180 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MtCO2e) in offsets.
Critics claim offsets enable high-emission industries to continue polluting by outsourcing emission reductions, thus undermining the urgency required for direct action against climate change.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has recently faced backlash over its consideration to endorse offsets for supply chain emissions. Critics assert this lessens the credibility of emission reduction targets by allowing companies to offset significant emissions rather than directly reducing them.
Some governments, including the U.S., support carbon credits in climate finance strategies, viewing them as tools for achieving climate goals. Conversely, environmental groups argue that credible carbon markets can aid emission reduction projects but stress the need for stringent regulations.
This ongoing debate highlights the complexities in balancing effective climate action with the use of carbon offsets.
