ClimateAugust 12, 2026

additionality

uh-dish-uh-NAL-uh-tee

Definition

The requirement that a project providing carbon offsets must result in greenhouse gas reductions that would not have occurred in the absence of the project or its funding.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'additio' (an addition), the term evolved in economic and environmental policy circles to describe the concept of 'extra' or 'supplementary' value created by a specific intervention.

In the news

The article uses the term to critique the government's proposal, arguing that because the park was already promised, using it for carbon offsets lacks the necessary 'additionality' to be considered legitimate environmental policy.

The NSW koalas-for-coal shakedown – and what it reveals about the carbon offset market

Read the full article ↗

Renew Economy

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