This paper first gives an overview of what carbon offset projects are and how they can be classified. It then briefly reviews the evidence on livelihood impacts, including the approaches that have been used in determining livelihood impacts. A simple conceptual framework that is applicable to all project types is presented in section four. In section five, the World Bank portfolio is described, and in sections six and seven, evidence for the impacts on livelihood outcomes is discussed with reference to the portfolio. Sections eight and nine provide conclusions and recommendations.

Leo Peskett, Prachi Seth and Gernot Brodnig