Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Aren't the carbon markets just another way for polluters to avoid taking responsibility for reducing their emissions?

Answer: Not for big polluters (i.e. those included in compliance markets). In fact, major emitters are required by law to meet most of their targets through direct emissions reductions. Only a small fraction of their emissions can ever be addressed through the purchase of “offsets." And there is resounding consensus that offsets shouldn't let individuals or smaller businesses off the hook either! Indeed, you can speak to just about anyone promoting or selling offsets and they will explain that this is only part of an ethical action strategy. The first - and most important - action is to minimize one's carbon footprint. Offsetting is about dealing with what's left over.

Question: Why is CARE, which is a development organization, getting involved in markets?

Answer: CARE has a long history of making markets work for poor people as a tool to reduce poverty and promote social justice.

See also PDF document: Making Markets Work for the Poor.

Our engagement with the carbon markets - which dates to 2002 - is a new tact in a tried and true strategy.