In the absence of government regulations requiring dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change, an increasing number of companies are adopting "net zero" goals. More than one third of the world's 2,000 largest publicly held companies has declared net zero goals, according to the Net Zero Tracker, a database compiled by academics and non-profit organizations. These targets typically include public commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through measures such as process modification, product composition change, fuel switching, renewable energy transition, investment in carbon removal projects – and a pledge to reduce remaining emissions to zero by purchasing carbon offsets, known as as carbon credits. Carbon credits are financial instruments where the buyer pays another company to take certain steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the buyer receives a credit for the reduction. (Varsha Ramesh Walsh, Michael W.) Toffel