Offset
We may not be able to reduce or replace all our carbon emissions, but we can ‘offset’ our emissions.
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What does offset mean?
An offset is an activity that reduces the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (or as they are often called ‘carbon emissions’) released into the atmosphere. This reduction can then be used to offset or counter-act for another activity that does produce carbon.
Imagine a see-saw in the playground. On one side of the see-saw is the amount of carbon released. On the other side is the amount of carbon saved. The aim of carbon offsets is to save the same amount of carbon as we have released through our activities, then we will be evenly balanced on the carbon see-saw.
For example, you might want to fly overseas on a holiday without adding to your carbon footprint. You could do your own offsetting by deciding to use your car less or have shorter showers. The savings from these changes could help to counter-act the extra emissions from your flight.
Another way to offset your emissions is to pay to support activities like planting trees, renewable energy or other projects which absorb, prevent or reduce emissions. Many of these projects are now verified (or formally checked) against recognised standards and government requirements.
Examples of carbon offset projects.
- Planting forests: plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen when they photosynthesise. Whole forests of trees are being planted because as they grow, they absorb the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Investing in renewable energy: energy from solar, wind and hydro sources create far less carbon emissions than non-renewable sources like coal, oil or natural gas.
- Methane projects: methane is a greenhouse gas which contains carbon (its chemical symbol is CH4). It is released by certain types of animals e.g. in cow manure or decomposing matter. Methane that escapes from landfills can be captured and burnt to generate energy and reduce the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere.
- Energy efficiency: using energy efficient light globes and water-saving showerheads, uses less electricity and therefore emits less carbon. Energy efficiency programs can help households save hot water and power, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce energy bills.
Carbon offset programs are becoming increasingly popular as concern grows over global warming and climate change.
There are increasingly more ways people are offsetting their emissions. Businesses are taking steps to offset their air travel; schools could offset events such as school camps or musical concerts; and individuals are looking at ways they can make a difference by offsetting their car travel or switching to a renewable energy source at home.
Source:
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/greenhouse/carbon_offsets/
