Carbon credits are a policy first established by the Kyoto Protocols in 1997, allowing governments to issue credits granting permission to produce carbon, equating to one tonne of CO2 emissions per credit. The idea behind this was that by having companies purchasing carbon credits, the revenues would be invested in carbon-negating programmes leading to a net reduction of emission, alongside incentivising corporations to reduce their emissions to reduce expenditure from purchasing carbon credits. In addition, the number of credits issued per year would decrease, gradually reducing emissions via pressure from this programme, with the current markets for carbon credits encompassing 23% of global emissions.
Surplus of carbon credits leads to an additional market for these, with companies possessing an excess of credits compared to their emissions in turn making profit from selling these to groups operating in excess, resulting in ‘carbon companies’ whose business model centres on the selling of carbon credits to offending polluters. This leads to a market of ‘carbon offsetting’, which will be further talked about.
For example, groups such as Tesla in 2023 made a profit of $1.78 billion through the sale of carbon credits, due to the heavy investments in renewable technologies.
This in turn results in carbon offsetting, a market formed between companies looking to further offset their emissions through investment in green and renewable projects, which involve schemes like forest conservation, clean cooking and renewable energy developments. Organisations such as Climate Impact Partners and Verra act as regulators for trades like this, whilst also operating inside the market providing carbon offsets simultaneously, which they then sell on the carbon market to heavy polluter groups.
As of 2024, the global market for carbon credits and offsets reach to $1.5 trillion, representing 15.7Gt of CO2 emissions globally, with projected growth over the decade as demand for reduced emissions increases.
About Earth Athenaeum
At Earth Athenaeum, we are focused on a single goal: bringing transparency to environmental issues that are often misunderstood, oversimplified, or misrepresented. We believe that real sustainability requires scrutiny, and that critical thinking is key to addressing the challenges of climate change.
Too often, solutions are accepted at face value — from electric vehicles and carbon offset schemes to “eco-friendly” products — without understanding their full impact. We’re here to ask the hard questions.
This project is the foundation of a not-for-profit organisation aimed at providing balanced, evidence-based information to help people navigate the complexities of environmental claims.
Our Vision for the Future
This website marks the start of a journey. In the future, we plan to expand Earth Athenaeum into a collaborative platform with dedicated researchers and writers, covering a wider range of topics in greater depth, while remaining accessible to all.
We aim to become a reliable and independent resource, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and challenge environmental narratives that may not stand up to scrutiny.
About Earth Athenaeum
At Earth Athenaeum, we are focused on a single goal: bringing transparency to environmental issues that are often misunderstood, oversimplified, or misrepresented. We believe that real sustainability requires scrutiny, and that critical thinking is key to addressing the challenges of climate change.
Too often, solutions are accepted at face value — from electric vehicles and carbon offset schemes to “eco-friendly” products — without understanding their full impact. We’re here to ask the hard questions.
This project is the foundation of a not-for-profit organisation aimed at providing balanced, evidence-based information to help people navigate the complexities of environmental claims.
Our Vision for the Future
This website marks the start of a journey. In the future, we plan to expand Earth Athenaeum into a collaborative platform with dedicated researchers and writers, covering a wider range of topics in greater depth, while remaining accessible to all.
We aim to become a reliable and independent resource, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and challenge environmental narratives that may not stand up to scrutiny.
About Earth Athenaeum
At Earth Athenaeum, we are focused on a single goal: bringing transparency to environmental issues that are often misunderstood, oversimplified, or misrepresented. We believe that real sustainability requires scrutiny, and that critical thinking is key to addressing the challenges of climate change.
Too often, solutions are accepted at face value — from electric vehicles and carbon offset schemes to “eco-friendly” products — without understanding their full impact. We’re here to ask the hard questions.
This project is the foundation of a not-for-profit organisation aimed at providing balanced, evidence-based information to help people navigate the complexities of environmental claims.
Our Vision for the Future
This website marks the start of a journey. In the future, we plan to expand Earth Athenaeum into a collaborative platform with dedicated researchers and writers, covering a wider range of topics in greater depth, while remaining accessible to all.
We aim to become a reliable and independent resource, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and challenge environmental narratives that may not stand up to scrutiny.
State of UK Transport
Gain insight into the current state of public and private transport in the UK — including challenges, emissions data, and the role of policy in shaping a greener transport network.
Electric Vehicles
Discover how electric vehicles are changing the landscape of transport. Explore their benefits, limitations, and the infrastructure needed to support widespread adoption.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Understand the role of hybrid vehicles as a transitional technology. Learn how they operate, their environmental impact, and where they fit in the move towards zero-emission transport.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Explore vehicles powered by hydrogen, biofuels, and other alternative fuels. Assess their potential to reduce emissions and the challenges they face in becoming mainstream.
Get in Touch with Us!
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have feedback, suggestions, or want to share insights related to sustainability and environmental truth, your voice matters. At Earth Athenaeum, we believe in open dialogue and collaboration to uncover and explore the realities behind green initiatives and corporate claims.
If you have questions, ideas, or simply want to connect, feel free to reach out — we’re here to engage, listen, and learn together.
Reference List
This website marks the start of a journey. In the future, we plan to expand Earth Athenaeum into a collaborative platform with dedicated researchers and writers, covering a wider range of topics in greater depth, while remaining accessible to all.
We aim to become a reliable and independent resource, enabling individuals to make informed decisions and challenge environmental narratives that may not stand up to scrutiny.