California carbon manure math: Why offset subsidies for dairy methane may not cut emissions

California pays cattle farmers to turn manure methane into natural gas, but research suggests the program may not actually reduce emissions. The subsidies are lucrative, yet the system could lock in more warming by swapping climate responsibilities between parties and regions instead of forcing direct cuts. This MIT Technology Review piece digs into the shortcomings of carbon offsetting and trading schemes in the dairy sector. The article explains how the incentive structure allows industries to avoid direct pollution cuts. Instead of making polluters pay for their emissions as a cost of doing business, the state created a system that shifts climate obligations around. Critics argue this approach could ultimately increase warming rather than reduce it. A worthwhile read for anyone tracking carbon market integrity and offset quality.