10 West African nations call for firms to be able to offset carbon

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Smoke rises from Yatagan thermal power plant near southwestern town of Yatagan in Mugla province, Turkey on February 24, 2021. PHOTO | REUTERS

A group of 10 West African countries has weighed into a debate over whether companies around the world should be allowed to use carbon offsets to cut emissions, arguing they are critical to attracting financing for climate and conservation efforts.

While some scientists and technical advisers have criticised offsets as undermining efforts to rein in climate change by permitting the continued emissions of greenhouse gases, others see them as a necessary tool to boost crucial finance.