Carbon offset is helping to save the world from the catastrophic effects of ecological deterioration and global warming by its mission to reduce carbon emissions in big industries and manufacturing units, as well as at an individual level.
The release of hazardous greenhouse gases into the air is counter balanced by the carbon offset system through the use of renewable and cleaner energy sources, reforestation schemes and several other eco-friendly initiatives. The Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement signed by almost all countries in 2005 puts limits on emission by member countries depending on whether they are emerging or developed, which in turn governs emissions by various sectors in each of these nations.
The Protocol says that industries emitting a huge quantity of carbon dioxide should limit their CO2 emissions to allowed levels, or else pay a carbon tax, which is an environmental tax on hazardous emissions, or alternatively purchase carbon credits certificates that can be traded in the market. One carbon credit, which is an older method than carbon offset, permits the credit’s buyer to discharge one tonne of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and this technique is the most economical method of purchasing an allowance to release extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Large companies are catching up with the global carbon-neutral campaign and buying carbon credits to impress customers, investors and corporate partners.
Another great way is using carbon offset, which aids in funding ambitious environmental schemes, particularly in third world nations that are constantly striving to fund such projects to decrease the impact of the total greenhouse gas emissions. It therefore aids in promoting environmental programmes related to reforestation, conservation of resources, and green energy options like tidal energy, solar energy, geothermal energy, etc.
Ordinary people are also doing their bit and are purchasing carbon offset to make the environment less polluted and to spread awareness about environment conservation. Carbon offsets are available for buying online through various providers, but it should be verified that the provider is actually putting money into meaningful carbon reduction initiatives.
However, we should not forget that buying carbon offset does not absolve us of our responsibilities, and that all of us can play an important role in reducing our carbon footprints by bringing small changes to our daily lives. Minor steps like switching off electrical devices and appliances when not in use, substituting fossil fuels by cleaner ones like biodiesel, and using LED lighting and low-energy bulbs can actually help a lot in decreasing overall emissions.
Carbon offset is still an alien word for average people. Mass awareness on the issue through widespread education is required to bring us some steps closer to a clean and green environment.
Learn more about carbon offset and carbon trading and get a deeper understanding on how you can help in saving the environment.
