As the planet tries to cope with the serious threats posed by air pollutants and greenhouse gases, carbon offset provides an incentive to motivate governments and companies to keep carbon emissions within prescribed limits.
The unregulated emission of harmful greenhouse gases is controlled by the carbon offset idea, which does so by providing inducement for making use of alternative and renewable energy, reforestation projects etc.. The carbon credits scheme of the 2005 Kyoto Protocol, an international environmental treaty signed by 170 countries in 2005 fixes the emission limits for countries, which then determines permissible emissions by industrial entities.
The Protocol makes it mandatory for commercial entities emitting above the allowed limit of carbon dioxide to cut down their emissions to prescribed levels, or they should buy carbon credits certificates which can be traded in the market, or alternatively pay a charge for the emissions, which is known as carbon tax. Carbon credits, which were conceived prior to carbon offset, are the most convenient and inexpensive option for manufacturing businesses releasing more than the allowed limit of greenhouse gases, with one credit equivalent to 1000 kilograms of carbon dioxide released into the air. Both multinational and regional companies, to make their activities carbon neutral and improve their image in front of clients and investors, are increasingly purchasing carbon credits.
Ambitious environmental projects throughout the world that are working towards the overall reduction of CO2′s harmful effects on the environment are now also being aided by the carbon offset system, which funds many of these projects. It greatly aids in promoting renewable and green energy options like solar energy and wind energy, and in funding projects on nature protection and reforestation.
Ordinary individuals are also doing their bit and are buying carbon offset to make the environment less polluted and to spread awareness about environment conservation. Purchasing carbon offset is straightforward and can be conveniently executed online through one of the many carbon offset provider websites; but it should be ensured that your money is making real impact through good projects.
Carbon offset is a very effective way to save out planet but we should also not forget that making minor alterations in our daily lives can be of great help in reducing environmental destruction. What we can do additionally from our side to safeguard the environment is to adopt small measures like using cleaner fuels such as biodiesel, and installing LED lights in place of high-energy bulbs, and use only as much energy as we need.
Carbon offset is yet to establish its place in an average person’s vocabulary. Imparting proper knowledge of the idea will go a long way in ensuring a healthy and clean environment.
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This post was written by Judith Carter on March 12, 2010
