We all leave a carbon footprint behind as part of the modern-day world. Eating, travelling and even shopping, causes CO2 emissions to be released in the environment. In terms of an organization, all business activities, be it industrial processing, electricity generation or even simply commuting, contributes to the overall carbon footprint of the corporation. In order to effectively reach the targets of a stable climate, it is important to extensively cut down on the carbon emissions. However, even if we cut down on a maximum of the emissions, there would still be enough carbon that persists in the environment. This is why it becomes important to compensate for the same by providing support to projects that are aiming towards reducing the emissions. Carbon offsetting is about reducing the emissions and contributing positively to the environment.
What is carbon offsetting?
In theoretical terms, carbon offsetting is not complicated. It includes calculating the estimated emissions of the greenhouse gases that are potentially generated from mechanisms that involve any type of fossil-fuel burning and then offset the derived estimate through emission-reducing initiatives that are funded elsewhere. The carbon offset concept comes from the ‘Kyoto Protocol’, which was a nation-wide agreement attempting to stabilize the concentration of green-house gases present in the atmosphere. This was aimed at preventing any interference with the normal and stabilized climate of the earth.
On the carbon compliance market, countries exceeding their greenhouse gas emissions may purchase or trade carbon credits from countries with an emissions deficit. One credit equals one metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions. In the same way, businesses also can trade on the spin-off markets, offering carbon credits for using cleaner production methods to businesses with significant emissions… and the need for some green marketing.
Does carbon offsetting allow us to continue operating the way we are?
No. It does not.
Compensation is simpler and in fact cheaper than working towards reduced carbon emissions and figuring out ways to reduce it. However, in order to prevent the worst possible effects of climate change, we not only need to cut down on our emissions but additionally, offset greater than what we emit. Striving towards becoming carbon-neutral is one such approach.
We already exceeded the safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere in 1987. Even if we cut emissions down to zero today, we would still need to remove that excess carbon from the atmosphere. We need to all become carbon negative. It is the same as with plastic. Yes, we need to stop letting more plastic get into the ocean, but we also need to invest in ways to clean up the waste that is already littering our oceans.
Conclusion
Even though we have already exceeded the level of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere that is ‘safe’, cutting down on carbon emissions will still contribute to reducing excessive carbon that is present in the environment. C6 Energy is setting an example of carbon neutrality and contributing to the environment through reduced carbon emissions with its Graphene battery technology.