An assertion by an entity (government, non-state actor such as a corporation, individual, etc.) that they have generated a positive climate outcome.
- Compensation claim – An entity claims to have “compensated” for a negative impact by funding an equal and opposite positive impact. Carbon offsetting is the most common form of compensation claim, in which emissions are claimed to have been neutralised by the purchase and retirement of a carbon credit.
- Contribution claim – An entity claims to have “contributed” to a positive climate outcome, perhaps through voluntary commitment of funds, without also taking credit for the climate outcome they are delivering. Examples could include: 1) direct government subsidy of a carbon removal project in which the climate benefit stays with and can be monetised by the project developer, 2) direct results-based funding of ecosystem restoration by a company, without that company receiving a carbon credit in return.