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Study Reveals Flaws in Carbon Offset Programs

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The study finds issues in carbon offset programs; most credits lack impact due to nonadditionality, impermanence, leakage, and double counting.
Dr. Stephen Lezak says incremental changes won't fix these problems.
The study calls phasing out low-quality offsets, prioritizing permanent carbon dioxide removal, and adopting a contribution-based scheme for accountability.
Industry-led initiatives aim to raise offset quality.

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Story summary

The study finds issues in carbon offset programs; most credits lack impact due to nonadditionality, impermanence, leakage, and double counting.
Dr. Stephen Lezak says incremental changes won't fix these problems.
The study calls phasing out low-quality offsets, prioritizing permanent carbon dioxide removal, and adopting a contribution-based scheme for accountability.
Industry-led initiatives aim to raise offset quality.