As the planet reels under rising levels of air pollution and global warming, carbon offset has come as a saviour by motivating companies and governments to decrease their carbon emissions.

Carbon offset is a method of reducing the emission of hazardous greenhouse gases by using different ways like sustained reforestation initiatives, green and renewable energy usage etc. The greenhouse gas emission limits for developed and developing countries are governed by the Kyoto Protocol, an internationally recognized pact, which was signed in 2005 by most nations of the world.

As per the Protocol, companies belching out thousands of kilos of carbon dioxide have to either reduce on their emissions to the allotted levels, purchase carbon credits certificates, which can be transacted on the bourses, or otherwise end up paying a carbon tax in order to be in compliance with the prescribed reduction. One carbon credit, which is an older instrument than carbon offset, authorizes the credit’s owner to discharge one tonne of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and this technique is the most cost effective method of buying an allowance to release extra greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Large companies are becoming a part of the global carbon-neutral campaign and buying carbon credits to impress customers, investors and corporate partners.

Ambitious ecological projects throughout the world that are working towards the overall reduction of CO2′s hazardous effects on the environment are now also being helped by the carbon offset system, which funds many of these projects. It greatly helps in popularizing renewable and green energy alternatives like solar energy and wind energy, and in financing projects on nature conservation and reforestation.

Even common people are more and more using the carbon offset scheme to decrease their carbon footprint and are propagating this method to others as well. Buying carbon offset is straightforward and can be conveniently implemented on the internet through one of the various carbon offset provider websites; but it should be ensured that your money is making real influence through proper projects.

However, we must keep in mind that buying carbon offset does not absolve us of our responsibilities, and that all of us can play an important role in decreasing our carbon footprints by making minor changes to our daily lives. We must adhere to certain basic disciplines like switching off lights and other electronic appliances when not needed, making use of low-energy bulbs and LED lighting, and opting for renewable fuels like biodiesel.

Carbon offset is not yet a familiar word for a layman. Knowledge of the same by means of relevant education on the issue is the way forward towards a healthy and sustainable planet.

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categories: carbon management,carbon information,carbon offset,carbon trading,carbon credits,environment,business,marketing

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