Are existing livestock-based offset schemes adapted to achieving climate goals?

Voluntary livestock-based carbon offsets offer the livestock sector a pathway to secure private financing for climate action. Given the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in this sector, this study evaluates livestock-based carbon offset schemes, focusing on governance, design, and technical aspects. We present a conceptual framework, synthesise evidence on prices and participation, and make recommendations. Our findings show significant challenges in the design of existing schemes and underscore the need for structural changes to better align stakeholder incentives, thereby improving the effectiveness of these carbon markets. These insights are relevant to policymakers, farmers, project developers, and regulators interested in improving the effectiveness of livestock-based offset schemes.