Carbon Offsets

As defined by the Kyoto Protocol, a carbon credit is "one metric ton of carbon emitted by the burning of fossil fuels" (wikipedia.org).

With carbon trading exchanges popping up from Chicago (http://www.chicagoclimatex.com/) to Amsterdam (http://www.europeanclimateexchange.com) to Brazil (http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/ap/2005/09/15/ap2227391.html), there are plenty of opportunities for businesses and other organizations to trade carbon credits. There are even opportunities for individuals to buy carbon offsets, through services such as Terrapass and Offsetters.

While I agree with the fundamental, market-based approach of carbon credit exchanges, I think that these solutions pose two significant dangers. First, the purchase of carbon offsets may act as balm for polluters' guilt. Simply buying a carbon offset does not really make up for carbon emitting lifestyle choices. Purchasing offsets must be complimented by real commitment to energy conservation and less polluting lifestyle choices in general.

Second, there are many carbon offset projects which are suspect--not all carbon sinks are of the same quality. Money pouring into reforestation in developing regions may actually encourage environmentally dubious practices such as scrub brush clearing or even forrest clear cutting so that new trees can be planted (and carbon credit revenue gained).

Differentiating between low value and high value offsetting projects is crucial. Organizations such as Offsetters (http://www.offsetters.com) critically assess the carbon credits they purchase.