Understanding Carbon Offset Technologies

Datos Bibliográficos

ID12566027
AutoresHeather Lovell (0000-0003-1164-0356, University of Edinburgh, autor de correspondencia), Diana Liverman (0000-0002-3671-1491, University of Arizona)
Año2010
Volumen15
Número2
Páginas255-273
Fecha de publicación2010-06-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessNo
TipoARTICLE
RevistaNew Political Economy (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1356-3467 • E-ISSN: 1469-9923
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/13563460903548699
OpenAlexW2167937660
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas64
Referencias citadas27

In this article we unpack the ‘black box’ of carbon offsetting through a critical examination of the technologies and techniques that create carbon credits. Drawing on empirical research of compliance (Clean Development Mechanism) and voluntary carbon offset markets, we highlight the diversity of technologies, techniques and devices involved in carbon offsetting, ranging from refrigerant plants to systems of calculation and audit. We suggest that polarised debates for and against offsetting do not adequately reflect the considerable variations between types of offset project and governance practices in the compliance and voluntary offset markets. Using conceptual insights from governmentality theory and science and technology studies we assess the tensions in making standard, fungible carbon credits. In conclusion, we suggest attention to the technologies and materiality of carbon offsetting allows a fresh perspective on somewhat entrenched debates about the advantages and disadvantages of offsetting

Business · Carbon offset · Corporate governance · Economics · Environmental economics · Greenhouse gas · Industrial organization · Materiality (auditing · Innovation, Technology, and Society · Regulation and Compliance Studies · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance · Finance