Part 5/9:
Verification Challenges
Verification of offsets poses another significant challenge. Even projects that are purportedly verified can overstate their impact. A report found that more than 90% of rainforest offset credits from leading carbon standards could be fraudulent, with many projects exaggerating their baseline forest loss numbers — creating a misleading narrative of their effectiveness.
The Concept of Permanence
Permanence in carbon offsets is particularly crucial, especially in forestry projects. Trees can be destroyed or burned, releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Notably, carbon offsets associated with tree planting face risks from natural disasters like wildfires, as evidenced in California.