Carbon markets stand to feature prominently and problematically on the COP30 agenda. Big polluters are touting carbon credit markets as a climate finance tool, but offsetting emissions doubles the burden on the Global South: not only are these countries bearing the brunt of the climate crisis, it is their land and resources that are being used to camouflage business as usual in polluting countries. 

Moreover, presenting carbon credit markets as a climate solution contradicts the scientific evidence.  It’s time to abandon the greenwashing and listen to the science and the majority of UNFCCC constituencies: carbon offsetting is not a fix for the climate crisis. Big polluters must pursue deep decarbonisation immediately.