They are meant to help us transition to a greener economy but carbon offsets, and the markets where they are traded, are fraught with controversy.

The quality of carbon credits is under scrutiny, as is their use by companies, which may purchase them in lieu of real action towards net zero. Consultancy McKinsey estimates that this space will be worth as much as $50bn by 2030.

Used judiciously, carbon offsetting can channel funds towards activities that help prevent or remove CO2 emissions from the atmosphere. Used cynically, the practice risks becoming a sophisticated form of greenwashing.

Which way is this market heading?

We have some answers. Listen to Silvia Pavoni, your host, as she talks to Marie Kemplay, one of her colleagues who has recently written about the controversy surrounding carbon markets. You’ll also hear from Gilles Dufrasne at Carbon Market Watch, an expert in this field with some strong views.

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Links:

Marie’s article on the voluntary carbon markets: https://www.sustainableviews.com/building-up-the-voluntary-carbon-markets/

Another interesting article on carbon offsets: https://www.sustainableviews.com/environmental-law-ngo-calls-for-ban-on-carbon-offsets-marketing/

And, for the geekiest among you, here is a report on how to evaluate carbon market products in financial accounting: https://www.sustainableviews.com/iasb-should-look-at-carbon-markets-says-study/

For more of our Sustainable Views content, register here for a free trial: https://www.sustainableviews.com/sv/request-free-trial

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Sustainable Views: Should you offset your carbon emissions?

Investors' Chronicle

Sustainable Views: Should you offset your carbon emissions?