rookhawk
AH ambassador
If you knew how the industry works, then you'd understand that it still works to clean up the environment.
The carbon credits (and NOx, SOx) are allocated on a yearly basis on a sliding scale.
Some hypothetical numbers...
Year1 - 50 tons.
Year 2 - 45 tons
Year 3 - 40 tons etc., etc.
In order to comply companies have to improve their equipment to emit less and/or buy credits from someone that has a surplus.
Eventually, supply of credits diminishes and companies are forced to improve their emissions. Or move their plants to China or Mexico so they don' have to deal with the regulations.
Alternative perspective? I know people and groups that have substantial properties. They have zero interest in slashing and burning their forests. Zero.
But they are receiving funds to buy their carbon offsets under the premise that they are conserving something that provides the indulgence for a carbon consumer.
I'm actually looking at whether I can do it for my river frontage, virgin forest, and pollinator prairie at my home. "Buy my carbon credits or I'll pave it all and turn it into a parking lot". (If you believe my threat...please send free money)