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A climate pledge verifier said it would allow more carbon offsets. Its staff revolted

Summary

The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a key organization setting standards for corporate emissions reduction, is in turmoil following its decision to allow carbon offsets to count toward companies’ emissions reduction targets. Staffers and program managers voiced concerns over the decision's implications for greenwashing and the integrity of emissions reduction efforts. Critics argue that reliance on carbon offsets could undermine efforts to actually reduce emissions, and the decision has raised questions about governance and consultation within the SBTi. The move may have been influenced by external pressure to boost the voluntary carbon market, potentially driven by a decline in demand for carbon credits. The controversy underscores broader debates about the efficacy and integrity of carbon offsetting in the fight against climate change.

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