In this series, illuminem and carbonparadox share 24 carbon paradoxes that demand our attention and discussion. Each one highlights a tension we must address to improve the way we value and protect our planet.

This paradox is another head-scratcher. Who should buy carbon credits? 

At first glance, the answer seems obvious: the biggest polluters! After all, they’re at the heart of the climate crisis and have the deepest pockets!

Here’s the twist: Polluters purchasing carbon credits are often accused of “greenwashing”—using them as smokescreens to avoid directly reducing their own emissions.

Critics argue that only “clean” companies, those that have already aligned their emissions reductions with science-based targets, should be permitted to participate in carbon markets.

This creates a paradox: “Clean” companies pay for carbon credits while “dirty” ones escape responsibility and don’t pay.

What do you think? Who should pay for carbon credits?

How to solve the paradox?

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This article is also published on carbonparadox.org. illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.