Carbon Offsets Foundations
Gain a foundational understanding of carbon offsets, their role in reducing greenhouse gases, and how they differ from removals. Explore offset markets, key challenges, best practices, and alternatives, covering concepts like additionality, permanence, carbon markets, and verification.
Created by —
Terra.do
Created by the Terra.do learning team and overseen by the Climate Fellowship editorial group and the Academic Advisory Board.
Introductory level
No prior knowledge of carbon offsets is required, but an interest in climate policy and carbon markets is desirable
Flexible schedule
Learn according to your schedule with fully asynchronous learning
Foundational
Build foundational knowledge about climate change and climate science
4 weeks / 2 hours per week
Expected commitment. We will help keep yourself accountable with timely check-ins
Course overview
Carbon offsets are a widely used but often misunderstood tool in climate action. This course provides a foundational understanding of how carbon offset markets work, the key differences between offsets and removals, and the role of certification and verification in ensuring credibility. Participants will explore the types of offset markets, including compliance and voluntary markets, and assess the challenges and concerns surrounding their effectiveness.
Beyond the basics, the course dives into real-world case studies, including an in-depth look at REDD+ programs, critiques of offsets, and the Oxford Offsetting Principles as a framework for improving their impact. Finally, participants will examine emerging alternatives and future pathways for ensuring that offsets contribute meaningfully to emissions reductions rather than serving as a distraction from decarbonization efforts. By the end, learners will be equipped to critically assess carbon offsets and their role in broader climate strategies.
Skills you will learn
Understanding carbon offsets
Learn how carbon offsets work, their role in emissions reduction, and the difference between offsets and removals
Evaluating offset markets
Explore the structure of compliance and voluntary offset markets, including key certification and verification processes
Assessing offset challenges
Identify the limitations, risks, and critiques of carbon offsets, including issues like additionality, leakage, and double counting
Exploring alternatives & best practices
Understand frameworks like the Oxford Offsetting Principles and explore emerging alternatives to traditional offset approaches
Who is this course for?
Sustainability & ESG professionals
Those working in corporate sustainability, emissions accounting, or ESG reporting who need to evaluate carbon offsets
Climate policy & advocacy experts
Professionals shaping climate policies or working in advocacy who need to assess the role of offsets in regulatory and voluntary markets
Investors & carbon market participants
Individuals engaging with carbon markets, offset projects, or corporate net-zero commitments
Scientists & researcher
Experts studying climate mitigation strategies who want to understand the mechanics and effectiveness of carbon offsets
Course syllabus
Foundations of Carbon Offsets
Covers the basics of carbon offsets, their role in emissions reduction, key market types, and how certification and verification ensure credibility
Challenges and Concerns
Examines the major criticisms of carbon offsets, including issues like additionality, leakage, permanence, and the risk of greenwashing
Case Studies and Critiques
Analyzes real-world examples of carbon offset projects, a deep dive into REDD+, and broader critiques of offset markets
The Oxford Offsetting Principles
Explores a leading framework for improving offset effectiveness, guiding best practices for ensuring real emissions reductions
Future Alternatives
Examines new approaches beyond traditional offsets, including innovative pathways for achieving net-zero emissions.
You won't learn alone
Join monthly live office hours with the course creator and fellow learners.
- Ask your questions live
- Get direct feedback from the instructor
- Connect with peers taking the course with you
- Learn from others' questions
- Get access to the recording if you miss it
- Keep lifetime access
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Meet the course creator
Terra.do
Created by the Terra.do learning team and overseen by the Climate Fellowship editorial group and the Academic Advisory Board.
Terra.do is a global climate learning and careers platform dedicated to equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive climate action. Through expert-led courses, interactive learning experiences, and a vibrant community, Terra.do empowers individuals across industries to transition into and thrive in climate-focused roles. With a mission to get 100 million people working on climate solutions, the platform connects learners with real-world opportunities in sustainability, policy, climate finance, and beyond.
We collaborate with industry experts, practitioners, and organizations to deliver high-impact programs covering key climate topics. Whether through deep-dive fellowships, specialized courses, or our extensive climate job board, we serve as a trusted resource for professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change.
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