Plant in cup with coins

New CMW study and SBTi assessment highlight risks associated with carbon offsetting

Fresh evidence published by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) confirms the unsuitability of carbon offsetting to meet emissions targets, echoing the findings of a new Carbon Market Watch study that casts doubt over the fairness of financial flows in the voluntary carbon market (VCM).

Why carbon offsetting undermines climate targets – Joint NGO statement

In this joint statement, 80 civil society organisations, including Carbon Market Watch, express their opposition to the use of carbon credits for offsetting purposes and the recent move towards relaxing rules surrounding indirect scope 3 emissions, such as the recent controversy at the Science-based Targets initiative (SBTi). Climate targets must focus primarily on the reduction …

Pricing the priceless: Lessons for biodiversity credits from carbon markets

Biodiversity markets are meant to channel private sector funding towards schemes that aim to conserve and restore biodiversity. In its current form, the unregulated funding schemes are reminiscent of the voluntary carbon market, which has a track record of supplying poor quality, cheap credits that inadequately transfer funds to the Global South. 

Listen to the science

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Board of Trustees’ decision on offsetting undermines science and endangers the climate

Carbon Market Watch strongly condemns the SBTi Board of Trustees’ announcement to recognise carbon credits as a way to “abate” scope 3 emissions. These indirect, value chain emissions usually make up the lion’s share of a company’s carbon footprint.

Skyscrapers

2030 climate targets of over 50 top corporations significantly off track to keep within 1.5°C limit

At a time when global carbon emissions need to be almost halved by 2030, 51 major corporations’ climate commitments amount only to reducing their median carbon footprint by as little as 30%, reveals the 2024 Corporate Climate Responsibility Monitor. Tighter regulations from governments are needed to raise the bar, both for companies which are taking insufficient action, and those who are not doing anything at all.