A study published in the journal Science has confirmed concerns raised in a Guardian article earlier in the year that more than 90% of carbon offset credits from rainforest conservation projects are ineffective.
These credits, known as REDD+ credits (reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation), are sold as a way for companies and individuals to offset their carbon emissions by supporting projects that promise to conserve rainforests. However, the research shows that many of these projects have failed to reduce deforestation as claimed.
The study indicates that while some REDD+ projects have contributed to slowing deforestation, many have not delivered the promised carbon savings. This finding is concerning for the future of tropical forests and the fight against climate change. Carbon offsets face additional challenges, including “leakage” where deforestation is displaced to other areas and the need to ensure protected forests remain preserved indefinitely.
While new approaches are being developed to improve the credibility of forest carbon markets, concerns remain about relying on offsets to combat climate change. Some argue that offsets should only be a last resort after reducing emissions, as they could potentially lead to increased emissions due to a false sense of offsetting. Additionally, achieving the necessary reduction in deforestation and fossil fuel emissions to limit global warming to 2°C would require significant changes beyond the use of offsets.
The cost of achieving truly effective offsets that avoid issues like leakage and ensure equity could be higher than current prices for forest carbon credits. A higher price for offsets could encourage a greater focus on emission reduction rather than relying on offsets. In light of the study’s findings, it’s suggested that using carbon offsets as a solution to combat climate change may not be as effective as hoped, and more substantial efforts, like reducing emissions directly, may be necessary.
https://theconversation.com/worthless-forest-carbon-offsets-risk-exacerbating-climate-change-211862