Most of the fuels we use to produce energy are carbon based. When we use these, Carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, is released. CO2 traps the sun’s heat and keeps the earth warm. However, of late we have been releasing too much of CO2, which is making the earth heat up more than usual. This is what is known as Global Warming. To counter this we need to make amends and control, if not reduce, the amount of CO2 we release in various ways.
One of the ways is to buy Carbon credits in order to offset some or all of your carbon emissions. A carbon credit is a term for any tradable certificate or permit that gives one the right to emit one tonne of carbon or CO2 equivalent. Both organizations and individuals can do this. As an individual you can figure out your carbon footprint or your personal contribution towards greenhouse gas emissions by activities such as driving, flying, energy use at home and office etc., by using various carbon footprint calculators online. Then you can offset your carbon footprint by purchasing carbon credits. There are many reliable organizations all over the world that you can pay to reduce CO2 emissions on your behalf. These organizations facilitate reductions by investing in projects that use renewable sources of energy like wind power, hydropower, renewable biomass, efficient cooking methods, human energy etc.
The most crucial thing while investing in carbon credits or offsets is to do thorough research and ensure that the organization you’re dealing with delivers real, independently verified emission reductions. Ensure that the projects are certified; you can research online for the various kinds of certifications available today. Find out what your offset will be utilized for and see if there is an independent audit body making sure that this is actually being done. Most people believe that just planting trees to offset carbon is enough but that is not true. Scientists are still unsure whether planting more trees is the solution to our excessive emissions problem. So, although planting trees is a good thing, it is necessary that we invest in other renewable sources of energy equally.
One very important thing is to remember that buying carbon credits or offsetting your carbon footprint isn’t the only solution; it is only a way to compensate for the damage one is making to the environment. To bring about real change, we need to change the way we lead our lives. Every little action counts. So, besides buying carbon credits you can make little changes in your lifestyle to help contain climate change. Start with simple things like using public transport to work or college and walking or cycling short distances. If its possible try carpooling to work or to drop your kids to school or better yet, walk the kids to school or let them take the school bus. Make some changes around your house and office and make ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ your mantra. See if you can switch to solar energy; use energy efficient appliances at home and in your office. Change the way you think ‘energy consumption’—think ‘less is more’; the same goes for consumption of resources like water. Your actions might have a domino effect and others around you might be inspired to follow in your footsteps.
