Offsets standards body refutes media’s Redd+ claims
Studies underpinning recent reports are flawed, according to technical review published by Verra
Recent media reports claiming carbon offsets generated by projects using the UN-backed Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (Redd+) mechanism are “largely worthless” include numerous inaccuracies and distortions, according to a technical review published by non-profit carbon offsets standards body Verra. The original analysis undertaken by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, German weekly Die Zeit and non-profit investigative journalism organisation Sourcematerial claims that 94pc of the rainforest offset credits approved by Verra do not represent genuine reductions in emissions. The Guardian investigation analysed the findings of three scientific studies that used a relativ

Also in this section
14 August 2025
Innovation is moving at pace in the direct air capture sector, but will costs fall quickly enough to make it a mainstay of the voluntary carbon market?
11 August 2025
US company reiterates commitment to CCUS as it agrees to work with major steelmakers to drive large-scale deployment in Asia
7 August 2025
Draft law opens door to large-scale carbon capture and storage, and could unleash investment in gas-based hydrogen projects
6 August 2025
EU industry and politicians are pushing back against the bloc’s green agenda. Meanwhile, Brussels’ transatlantic trade deal with Washington could consolidate US energy dominance