The Brave New World of Carbon Accounting

Sustainability and carbon accounting are recent concepts, now essential as governments and corporations aim for carbon neutrality. Effective carbon accounting relies on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, dividing emissions into Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (supply chain emissions). However, double counting issues arise. The most accurate approach is focusing solely on Scope 1 emissions, including those from households and governments. Carbon offsets are problematic unless they involve direct air capture.