As the years go by, the concern about the climate crisis grows. To tackle this overwhelming issue, we need to get creative and figure out new ways to offset our carbon emissions.
We are all making strong steps towards a greener way of life. From choosing to recycle, reducing the amount of plastic we use, using an LPG tank or even turning down the thermostat in our home by one degree, we’re all making many changes and there’s a growing number of people dedicated to lowering their environmental impact.
However, there is a lot that must still be done. Last year the UK government announced plans to achieve ‘Net Zero’ status by the year 2050[1], a target which aims to stop the UK from contributing to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. However, public awareness on how this will be achieved is still lacking. In fact, a recent report from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau found that just 38 per cent of us are aware we’ll need to change the way our home is heated if we’re to achieve this goal.[2]
Of course, unless we can claim to be completely carbon neutral, our actions will influence the environment. From heating our homes and offices, to driving our cars or even making a cup of tea, it’s inevitable that we can’t always live up to the green standards we’d like to.
Luckily, Carbon Offsetting allows us the combat these unavoidable emissions. Here, we look through the benefits and how it can help us lead a greener life.
What do we mean by Carbon Offsetting?
Thanks to Carbon Offsetting, we now have an answer to those unavoidable emissions. Carbon Offsetting provides an answer to the day-to-day emissions we create that can’t be prevented. A process in which people compensate their emissions by funding projects that provide sustainable development in communities a round the world. These projects offer an equivalent reduction in emissions to those you create; either counteracting or absorbing carbon dioxide and bringing balance to the environment.
This strategy has already been implemented by many big brands. The likes of EasyJet[3], Shell[4] and Gucci[5], all now use Carbon Offsetting to help improve the environmental impact of their businesses.
How does Carbon Offsetting benefit people?
By allowing people to balance out their carbon emissions, Carbon Offsetting is of vital importance.
What’s more, the extra funds raised by Carbon Offsetting can make important changes. The funds bring economic, social and health improvements to whole communities. With people at the heart of Carbon Offsetting, as well as ecosystems, it allows us to begin future proofing for a cleaner, greener world.
Why should I choose to offset my emissions?
Homeowners now have the opportunity to balance their carbon footprint and so, everyone can play a part thanks to Carbon Offsetting. For the environmentally conscious and those looking to reduce their impact on the climate, Carbon Offsetting gives them the tools to make a difference. Whilst it shouldn’t be used as a stand-alone approach and is best used as part of a wider carbon reduction strategy, it will help people reduce their impact on the environment.
How can I offset all of my carbon emissions?
There are endless ways in which Carbon Offsetting can make an impact. The beneficiaries of Carbon Offsetting could be anything from helping some of the poorest households in West Africa to access eco-friendly cooking equipment, to supplying clean hydroelectric power to the local grid in rural China, the options are diverse. One example is the Kariba REDD+ Forest Protection project in Zimbabwe, Africa. Since its launch in 2011, it’s avoided more than 18 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere and has prevented deforestation in an area of nearly 750,000 hectares.
Although it might not be the full answer, Carbon Offsetting is certainly part of the solution. It’s true that many of us are already doing our bit in all areas of life to reduce our carbon footprint but choosing great initiatives such as Carbon Offsetting is yet another step in the right direction. By supporting worthy sustainability projects that deliver quantifiable greenhouse gas reductions, we can all play our part in securing the future of the planet.
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-becomes-first-major-economy-to-pass-net-zero-emissions-law
[2]https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Energy/Energy%20Consultation%20responses/Zero%20sum%20(2).pdf
[3] http://corporate.easyjet.com/corporate-responsibility/environment/climate-change-carbon-emissions-and-carbon-offsetting
[4] https://www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/3082469/shell-to-offer-drivers-carbon-offsets-at-no-extra-cost
[5] https://www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/st/stories/gucci-equilibrium/article/carbon-neutral
