I agree that carbon credit schemes are complex and subject to manipulation. You point out some of the weaknesses.
A straight-up carbon tax is simpler and harder to game than carbon credits. Would you be in favour of a carbon tax in the USA? My province of British Columbia has had a carbon tax in place since 2008, and it seems to have worked well and been effective at reducing the rate of carbon emission.
My province of British Columbia also just recorded a high of 49.5°C (121°F), the highest temperature ever in recorded Canadian history, and higher than the record high for Las Vegas. The next day, that village (Lytton) burned to the ground. Climate change is happening, human actions are driving it, and we are experiencing the results now. “Credit” and “villification” aren’t the point. “Harm” and “response” are the point.