Switzerland has been one of the most active users of Paris Agreement Article 6.2 carbon offsets, signing 16 bilateral deals and planning to cover up to one-third of its 2030 emissions target with foreign credits. So far, only 0.36% of that offset goal has been delivered, and watchdogs say projects like the Bangkok electric bus program would likely have happened anyway. Switzerland is not alone. Norway, Singapore, and Japan have also struggled to receive quality credits, and the EU is now debating whether to allow international offsets to cover up to 5% of its 2040 target. Critics argue the market is too small and the credits are structurally scarce, especially as host countries need those reductions for their own climate goals. The article is a useful look at the gap between carbon market theory and delivery. It also highlights Switzerland's domestic shortfall, with emissions only 22.3% below 1990 levels against a 50% target, raising questions about whether offsets are masking a lack of action at home.
