Carbon offsetting requires a credible process

From the Surefni archive. This article records the announcement and context at the time of publication.

This article, originally published by Vísir, argued that funding tree planting or another climate activity does not by itself establish a credible carbon offsetting claim.

It described a company’s process as developing a climate policy, measuring emissions, setting reduction targets and implementing an action plan. Certified credits could then address remaining emissions, supported by transparent reporting and independent assessment.

For the project supplying credits, the authors stressed documented project design, a monitoring approach, independent certification and registry records with unique identifiers to prevent double counting.

The article also discussed work by the Icelandic Standards Council on a technical specification supporting a credible domestic carbon market. The authors were identified as members of its steering group. Its description of the availability of Icelandic credits reflected conditions in 2022.