2. The Polluters paradox

Return to The paradox of carbon credits
Move to 1. The Baseline paradox <> Move to 3. The Ethics paradox

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?

In this series, two leading authorities in carbon uncover the secrets and contradictions of an entire industry – in the most fun and engaging way. Through 32 curated Carbon Paradoxes, you'll learn everything essential about this field, starting with the tensions we must address to make environmental markets thrive.

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.