While we are in this topic about carbon neutrality, lets get aware about carbon offsets and how they work. 

What are Carbon Offsets?

Carbon offset, any activity that compensates for the emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases (measured in carbon dioxide equivalents by providing for an emission reduction elsewhere. Because greenhouse gases are widespread in Earth’s atmosphere, the climate benefits from emission reductions regardless of where such cutbacks occur. It is a way of paying for others to reduce emissions or absorb CO2 to compensate for our own emissions. For example, by planting trees to suck carbon out of the atmosphere as they grow, or by delivering energy-efficient cooking stoves to communities in developing countries.

Every time we are travelling, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions are generated. The most obvious (and significant) way this happens is by flying on a plane and also by many other sources.

Carbon offsetting allows us to balance out our climate impact and compensate for the emissions we produce. It accomplishes this by reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions in other parts of the world.

How offsetting works?

1. We need to 1st determine how much CO2 we generate and thus need to offset-

In order to offset our travel emissions, we must first determine the carbon footprint of our trip. Because so many components of our trip can generate emissions, calculating our exact carbon footprint can be incredibly complex.

2. 2nd is purchasing carbon offsets from a reputable provider-

Once we've estimated how much CO2 we were responsible for, we are then ready to actually offset our emissions. 

Conveniently, every bit of CO2 we produce can be directly offset in another part of the world.

When we buy carbon offsets, we are simply making a financial contribution that will be invested in carbon reduction projects.

3. 3rd is our contribution funds to carbon offset projects that reduce CO2-

So now our offset contribution will help fund carbon offset projects that reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gases. These projects do this by removing existing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or by preventing new emissions from happening. 

But does offsetting actually works?

Sadly, the way out of the climate emergency is just not that simple. Protecting forests and restoring natural ecosystems is vital both for wildlife and the climate, but we should be doing that as well as cutting emissions directly, not as a substitute.

The big problem with offsets isn’t that what they offer is bad but rather that they don’t do what they say on the tin. Planting trees can’t replace slashing carbon emissions. Many companies use offsetting to appear environmentally friendly, even when their whole business is based around burning fossil fuels. 

If we’re serious about tackling climate change, these companies and industries need to put people and planet over profit by completely mending their business models.