One carbon credit is accepted as equivalent to

A carbon credit is a tradable instrument that represents the reduction, sequestration, or avoidance of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere [6]. Under international frameworks like the Kyoto Protocol, one carbon credit is universally accepted as equivalent to one metric tonne (1,000 kg) of carbon dioxide (CO2) or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases (CO2e) [3]. While carbon is sometimes used as a unit in tracing emissions, it must be multiplied by 3.67 to convert to CO2 equivalent. Therefore, the standard denomination for a single credit is one metric tonne of CO2 [6]. Organizations earn these credits by producing one tonne less of emissions than their allowed standard level, which can then be traded in compliance or voluntary carbon markets to offset footprints [4].

Sources

1. [1] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > How does orre earn a carbon credit? > p. 283
2. [6] https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator
3. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > carBon crEdIt. > p. 55
4. [3] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 21: Mitigation Strategies > 21.4. CARBON OFFSETTING: > p. 284
5. [4] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 24: Climate Change Organizations > Offset Trading, Carbo Project/baseline > p. 326