Carbon offset is helping to save the world from the catastrophic effects of ecological degradation and global warming by its mission to reduce carbon emissions in large industries and manufacturing units, as well as at an individual level.
The release of hazardous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is counter balanced by the carbon offset concept through the use of renewable and cleaner energy sources, reforestation schemes and various other eco-friendly initiatives. The carbon credits plan of the 2005 Kyoto Protocol, an international environmental treaty signed by 170 countries in 2005 fixes the emission limits for countries, which then governs allowable emissions by industrial entities.
The Protocol makes it mandatory for commercial entities emitting more than the allowed limit of carbon dioxide to bring down their emissions to safe levels, or they must purchase carbon credits certificates which can be transacted in the market, or alternatively pay a penalty for the emissions, which is referred to as carbon tax. One carbon credit, which is an older method than carbon offset, authorizes the credit’s owner to discharge one tonne of carbon dioxide into the air, and this method is the most economical method of purchasing an allowance to release extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Both multinational and local companies, to make their activities carbon neutral and improve their image before customers and investors, are increasingly purchasing carbon credits.
Another great method is using carbon offset, which helps in financing ambitious environmental schemes, particularly in third world nations that are constantly striving to fund such projects to reduce the influence of the total greenhouse gas emissions. It helps in promoting alternative and renewable energy options like tidal energy, solar power etc and other nature conservation initiatives like reforestation.
Even common people are more and more using the carbon offset scheme to reduce their carbon footprint and are propagating this innovative way to others as well. Carbon offset can be conveniently bought online through one of the many providers, but caution must be taken to ensure that your funds are channelled to the correct projects.
Although carbon offset is a great option we must also keep in mind that we need to go a step further by making small environment supportive decisions in our everyday lives. We should stick to certain basic disciplines like switching off lights and other electronic appliances when not required, using low-energy bulbs and LED lighting, and going for renewable fuels like biodiesel.
Carbon offset is yet to establish its place in layman’s vocabulary. Spreading proper knowledge of the idea will go a long way in creating a green and pollution-free environment.
Learn more about carbon credits and carbon trading and get a deeper understanding on how you can help in saving the environment.
