Carbon offsetting is possible because climate change is a non-localized problem. Greenhouse gases mix throughout the atmosphere, so reducing them anywhere contributes to overall climate protection. While in theory carbon offsets seem like a golden idea, their efficiency remains in question.
Most offsets available on the market don't reliably reduce emissions. A carbon offset requires to have the feature of 'additionality'. The project must accurately measure the amount of CO2 being kept out of the atmosphere. This process requires transparency and well-documented standards and protocols to verify that the project is doing everything it claims.
Although carbon offsets have appealing benefits, it is difficult to verify their environmental benefits. Yet, they are now the backbone of environmental policies of many of the biggest polluters of the planet.
Offsets are not the only answer to climate change. It seems like an easy solution but to have actual impact, more real and hard work is required.
So, what can be done?
If you really want to make a difference,
- Start reducing the engagement in carbon-creating activities in the first place that would make more of a difference.
- Prioritize carbon removal, instead of reduction; projects which offer innovative and permanent storage solutions.
- Rather than opting for projects that invest your money towards planting more trees or saving forests, opt for clean-energy projects – anything from distributing efficient cooking stoves to capturing methane gas at landfill sites. Energy-based projects such as these are designed to make quicker and more permanent savings along with offering social benefits.
Carbon offsetting can help reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change, but it can't solve the problem entirely on its own.