Introduction
Carbon offsets are a method of combatting environmental pollution. In essence, it refers to the practice of reducing the negative impact of one’s CO2 emissions by reducing or removing it in another area. For example, using a car or a plane to ride across countries is detrimental to the environment.
Discussion
A person wishing to remain carbon neutral, then, could donate their money to an organization capable of producing the same amount of environmental benefits as their trip did harm. The organized process of carbon offsetting usually involves planting trees in various areas of the globe that need it (Schmidt, 2009). This principle aims to make human action more environmentally neutral, while also allowing people to live their regular lives freely. It is also beneficial to businesses, who may find practices of sustainability or environmental concerns difficult to manage. However, there are significant problems associated with this method of environmentalism.
In particular, it is connected with one’s need to rely on third parties or specific organizations in order to create climate benefits. As shown by research, carbon offset organizations can make mistakes in the way they calculate carbon emission reductions/removals. An analysis completed using California’s data is an example of the biggest flaw of the carbon offset system. Instead of improving the climate of the planet or facilitating better environmental conditions in forest areas, many organizations are incentivized to over-report their success (Badgley et al., 2021).
Conclusion
I think that using other organizations or projects to offset an entity’s carbon footprint avoids the main goal of any present environmental protection efforts – sustainability. A focus should be made on allowing organizations and individuals to develop pathways to ensure they do not harm the planet. This includes using recyclable materials and introducing carbon-free transport. Comprehensive change is necessary to truly fight climate change (Liu & Li, 2011). The sole use of carbon offsets only takes away from the global effort to change our approach toward carbon emissions.
References
Badgley, G., Freeman, J., Hamman, J. J., Haya, B., Trugman, A. T., Anderegg, W. R., & Cullenward, D. (2021). Systematic over-crediting in California’s forest carbon offsets program. Global Change Biology, 28(14). Web.
Liu, W., & Li, H. (2011). Improving energy consumption structure: A comprehensive assessment of fossil energy subsidies reform in China.Energy Policy, 39(7), 4134-4143. Web.
Schmidt, C. W. (2009). Carbon offsets: Growing pains in a growing market.Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(2). Web.