Credit credibility threatens forests

Andrew Balmford, Pedro H. S. Brancalion, David Coomes, Ben Filewod, Ben Groom, Alejandro Guizar-Coutiño, Julia P.G. Jones, Srinivasan Keshav, Andreas Kontoleon, Anil Madhavapeddy, Yadvinder Malhi, Erin O Sills, Bernardo Strassburg, Frank Venmans, Thales West, Charlotte Wheeler, and Thomas Swinfield. In Science. .Andrew BalmfordPedro H. S. BrancalionDavid A CoomesBen FilewodBen GroomAlejandro Guizar-CoutiñoJulia P.G. JonesSrinivasan KeshavAndreas KontoleonAnil MadhavapeddyYadvinder MalhiErin O. SillsBernardo StrassburgFrank VenmansThales WestCharlotte WheelerThomas Swinfield

Credit credibility threatens forests

Abstract

Addressing global warming requires increased investment in conserving and restoring carbon-dense natural habitats. Some companies that emit carbon have turned to certified carbon credits to offset their environmental impact. However, the effectiveness of carbon credits depends on the methods used to quantify them. If carbon credits do not accurately represent their environmental benefits, relying on them could exacerbate climate change. To ensure that carbon credits are robust, the methods used to calculate them must be improved.