Carbon Offsetting in Practice: Why the Quality and Mix of Carbon Projects Matter
Carbon offsetting is often reduced to a simple calculation: estimate emissions, purchase an equivalent number of carbon credits, and claim that the impact has been addressed. In practice, the decision is much more complicated. A tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent may look identical in a spreadsheet, but the project behind that tonne can be very different. Some projects prevent emissions, some reduce them, and others remove carbon from the atmosphere. Storage may last for very different periods, and the risks associated with each project can vary substantially. For individuals and businesses trying to make more responsible climate decisions, the important … Continue reading