To summarise the intense feud online on whether carbon offsetting is good or bad, we can say that it depends. To some, carbon offsetting may seem like greenwashing, but what you need to be crucial about is whether the offset project is trying to fool you or not. In this article, we will prepare you the best we can for you to understand and be aware of whether or not carbon offsets are shady.

What is carbon offsetting?


Carbon offsetting is one of many ways you can compensate for the emissions you create in your everyday life by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide somewhere else around the world.

To reach its main goals, the United Kingdom is implementing carbon offsetting in several of its strategies. For example, they have implemented this to achieve their main goal to become net zero emissions by 2050 and to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030.

One of the many ways that the United Kingdom is implementing these goals is by setting specific targets within their carbon offsetting strategies such as planting trees. In 2021, they have set a target of at least 30,000 hectares of trees a year which is around 120 tennis courts!

Is carbon offsetting shady?

It depends as there are several offset projects that are scams.

For example, the Vatican fell into a scheme where their offsets that were presented as certificates for millions of trees that ended up not being planted.

To not fall for a shady carbon offsetting project, you should buy offsets from third-party certification programs. These programs include the following:

Can carbon offsetting be unethical?

Carbon offsetting becomes unethical when you solely implement this practice. This is why it is crucial to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions in different practices.

A few ways to reduce carbon emissions include the following:

  • 🚗 Reducing transportation or having a green vehicle.
  • 🔌 Unplugging electronics that aren’t needed at the moment.
  • 🥬 Eating all your leftovers and eating less meat when you can.

How does carbon offsetting work?

Carbon offsetting is simple to progress to go through. Here are the following steps that you can follow to start carbon offset:

  1. 👀 Calculating your emissions - Before contacting the broker of your choice, the individual or organisation must calculate their emissions.
  2. 💰 Being charged - Once you have done the first step, you will be charged a fee on the level of carbon you or your organisation produces.
  3. 🕴 Investing - Finally, that broker will invest that money in a project that reduces carbon emissions.
  4. 📜 Certificate - Once you have completed all of these steps, the individual or organisation will receive their own certificate or proof that they have carbon offset their emissions.

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