Saturday, January 16, 2010

Helping The Planet Through Carbon Offset

By Judith Carter

Carbon offset is helping to protect the world from the damaging effects of ecological deterioration and global warming by its attempts to reduce carbon emissions in large industries and manufacturing entities, as well as at a personal level.

Carbon offset is a method of decreasing the emission of hazardous greenhouse gases by using different means like sustained reforestation initiatives, green and renewable energy usage etc. The Kyoto Protocol, an international pact signed by most countries in 2005 puts limits on emission by all participant countries on the basis of if they are developing or developed, which in turn determines emissions by different industries in each of these nations.

The Protocol states that industries releasing a huge amount of carbon dioxide must limit their CO2 emissions to allowed levels, or else make payment of a carbon tax, which is an environmental tax on hazardous emissions, or alternatively buy carbon credits certificates that can be transacted in the market. Carbon credits, which were introduced prior to carbon offset, are the most preferred and cheap option for manufacturing businesses emitting more than the allowed limit of greenhouse gases, with one credit equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide emitted into the air. Both global and local companies, to make their activities carbon neutral and improve their image in front of clients and investors, are increasingly buying carbon credits.

Another excellent method is using carbon offset, which aids in funding ambitious environmental schemes, especially in third world nations that are constantly striving to fund such projects to decrease the impact of the total greenhouse gas emissions. It greatly helps in promoting renewable and green energy options like solar energy and wind energy, and in financing projects on nature conservation and reforestation.

Apart from the companies, even ordinary persons are contributing to the environment by purchasing carbon offset and motivating others to do the same. Carbon offset can be easily purchased online through one of the several providers, but caution should be taken to ensure that your funds are channelled to the right projects.

However, we must not forget that buying carbon offset does not take away our responsibilities, and that all of us can perform a significant role in decreasing our carbon footprints by bringing small modifications to our everyday lives. We should stick to certain fundamental practices like switching off lights and other electronic equipments when not required, making use of low-energy bulbs and LED lighting, and opting for renewable fuels like biodiesel.

Carbon offset is still an alien word for average people. Imparting relevant knowledge of the concept will go a long way in creating a green and pollution-free environment.

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