Big Energy Companies’ New Pitch: ‘Carbon-Neutral’ Oil and Gas

Bundling barrels with promises to capture carbon can make companies’ emissions figures look better, but critics say the practice could undermine the case for burning less fossil fuel

Some energy companies are giving fossil fuels a carbon-neutral makeover, raising concerns that the pitch could undermine the case for less emissions.

The companies are selling fossil fuels bundled with carbon offsets and marketing the products as carbon neutral. While they acknowledge that the offsets alone aren’t enough to stop climate change, advocates of decarbonization say the offerings risk exaggerating the climate benefits.