Many people associate the term REDD+ with voluntary carbon projects, which cover small areas of rainforest. These projects are mostly hot air. They often operate without oversight and approval from host governments or with governments who are not active within UNFCCC REDD+. In 2023, the voluntary carbon markets were exposed internationally for lack of environmental integrity and financial irregularities. Multiple studies and media articles have covered the sector, including The Guardian, Science Journal, Bloomberg. Unfortunately, this has given the term REDD+ a negative connotation, despite these scandals being in no way connected to UNFCCC REDD+ framework