Story perspectives

Study Reveals Carbon Offsets Fail to Reduce Emissions

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The study in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources finds that most carbon offset programs do not deliver genuine emission reductions.
It notes issues such as additionality, measurement challenges, and double-counting, with many projects likely proceeding without offset funding.
Despite billions invested in voluntary carbon markets, global carbon levels reached a record high in 2024, and the authors urge stricter oversight to ensure offsets do not replace direct cuts.

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Story summary

The study in the Annual Review of Environment and Resources finds that most carbon offset programs do not deliver genuine emission reductions.
It notes issues such as additionality, measurement challenges, and double-counting, with many projects likely proceeding without offset funding.
Despite billions invested in voluntary carbon markets, global carbon levels reached a record high in 2024, and the authors urge stricter oversight to ensure offsets do not replace direct cuts.