Despite Cool Effect’s popularity, many people don’t understand carbon credits and how they have a positive impact on the environment. “The idea is that, even after decarbonizing, businesses and individuals have a surplus of planet-warming CO2 emissions,” said Lawrence, a co-founder of Cool Effect. “To reduce that surplus, they contribute to projects that reduce emissions by saving or planting forests, cutting wood use, creating renewables, sequestering carbon or other activities.” The team visits project sites to monitor progress and impact. “Site visits are part of our due diligence,” she said. “It’s a way to protect the reputation of our buyers and to ensure the project is making real, verifiable emission reductions.”