Carbon offsets might be a dangerous distraction from more effective climate action, experts say Many countries hope to buy their way to lower emissions, but experts say carbon offsets can do more harm than good. Social Sharing Countries hope to buy their way to lower emissions, but experts say carbon offsets can do more harm than good Jennifer Van Evra · Posted: Mar 12, 2021 8:29 PM ET | Last Updated: March 13 Many countries are using carbon offsetting as a strategy to meet their Paris Agreement targets, but critics say the approach allows governments to look like they’re taking action when they're not.(Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press)