Carbon offsetting has been much criticised of late. Yet there is growing evidence that – correctly applied – it has huge potential to speed sustainable development. Through integration into wider carbon reduction strategies, voluntary offsets have been proven to reap multiple benefits: they reduce greenhouse gas emissions at source, and – just as important – they make a positive impact on people’s quality of life, particularly in poor rural communities in developing countries. This Special Edition makes the powerful case for carbon offsetting, showcasing examples of offset projects in action and addressing key concerns in the offset debate.