The state’s ambitious plan to be carbon-neutral by 2045 relies on carbon offsets through the state’s forests. But scientists say it may be causing more harm than good
Environment
| Analysis
22 December 2022
A conservationist measures a Redwood tree in the Big River Forest near Fort Bragg, California Michael Macor/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
On 15 December, California approved an ambitious plan to reach carbon neutrality by 2045. Among other things, it mandates that all passenger vehicles use zero-emission technologies by 2035, with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85 per cent below 1990 levels before mid-century.
“California is leading the world’s most significant economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution – we’re cutting pollution, turning the page on fossil fuels and creating millions of new jobs,” Governor …
