What’s wrong with carbon offsetting?

Critics question whether offsets are an effective tool to mitigate climate change – or just greenwashing

Emissions seen in the sky from a coal-fired power plant
Offsetting has become a ‘go-to solution’ for tackling global warming
(Image credit: Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images)

Guilt-ridden holidaymakers jetting off overseas are being advised to do their research before turning to carbon offsetting to tackle emissions.

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Julia O'Driscoll is the engagement editor. She covers UK and world news, as well as writing lifestyle and travel features. She regularly appears on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast, and hosted The Week's short-form documentary podcast, “The Overview”. Julia was previously the content and social media editor at sustainability consultancy Eco-Age, where she interviewed prominent voices in sustainable fashion and climate movements. She has a master's in liberal arts from Bristol University, and spent a year studying at Charles University in Prague.