The regeneration of tropical rainforest is arguably the most effective form of carbon offset on the planet. Not only do rainforests absorb 2.5 times more CO2 than single species trees[1], they host complex eco-systems comprising thousands of plants, insects and animals.
Rainforests are extremely fast-growing and are able to absorb CO2 and subsequently produce oxygen through photosynthesis at a much quicker rate.
The argument for carbon offsetting through rainforest regeneration is made even stronger by the fact that adjoining carbon and pollution intensive agricultural land is returned to its natural state.
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Gordon, V. in referring to comments from Professor Ernst-Detlef Schultz
Managing Director Biogeochemical Processes, Max-Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry
Jena, Germany.