Background
Carbon markets – the transparency, regulation and ethics surrounding them as well as their efficacy – have long been a source of controversy. In June 2022, a diverse group of leaders gathered in New York to explore the challenges and opportunities of carbon credits. Could they effectively direct capital to natural solutions and local communities as well as help businesses support larger climate goals? Are they a part of the solution we need or are they doing more harm than good?
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In this collection of TED Talks and exclusive interviews, we asked cross-sector leaders to discuss the challenges — and opportunities — of carbon credits. Here’s what they said:
Conversation Starters
Is there a role for carbon credits on the pathway to a net-zero future? Here are a few thought-provoking prompts to help you start the conversation with your organization, friends, family and followers.
- Are carbon credits as they currently work accomplishing that they claim?
- Who should benefit from a “successful” carbon market, and what should its goals be?
- Do carbon credits provide a free pass for businesses to get out of harder or more expensive climate action? Or do they channel funding to important initiatives? Or both?
- Is “net-zero” a valuable way to think about carbon emissions reduction?
- How can we rethink or restructure carbon credits and markets to encourage climate-positive outcomes we actually want?
