Friday, July 30, 2010

Carbon Offset – An Effective Method To Improve The Environment

January 27, 2010 by Claire Carter  
Filed under Business

As the planet reels under increasing levels of environmental pollution and global warming, carbon offset is acting as a ray of hope by incentivizing firms and governments to cut their carbon emissions.

The emission of deadly greenhouse gases into the air is counter balanced by the carbon offset system through the use of renewable and alternative energy sources, reforestation schemes and various other green initiatives. The Kyoto Protocol, an international pact signed by almost all countries in 2005 puts limits on emission by all participant countries depending on whether they are emerging or developed, which in turn governs emissions by different sectors in each of these nations.

The Protocol says that entities emitting a huge quantity of carbon dioxide should restrict their CO2 emissions to allowed levels, or else make payment of a carbon tax, which is an environmental tax on harmful emissions, or alternatively buy carbon credits certificates that can be transacted in the market. Carbon credits, which came much earlier than carbon offset, are extremely popular and cost effective options for businesses, with one credit certifying the owner to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide into the environment. Both global and local firms, to make their activities carbon neutral and enhance their image in front of customers and investors, are increasingly buying carbon credits.

Another excellent method is using carbon offset, which aids in funding ambitious environmental schemes, particularly in third world countries that are constantly struggling to fund such projects to decrease the influence of the total greenhouse gas emissions. It helps in encouraging alternative and renewable energy options like wind energy, solar power etc and other environment conservation projects like reforestation.

Apart from the industries, even ordinary persons are helping the environment by buying carbon offset and motivating others to do the same. Carbon offset can be easily purchased online through one of the several providers, but care must be taken to ensure that your funds are channelled to the correct projects.

However, we should remember that buying carbon offset does not take away our responsibilities, and that all of us can perform a vital part in reducing our carbon footprints by bringing minor modifications to our daily lives. We should stick to certain fundamental practices like switching off lights and other electronic appliances when not required, making use of low-energy bulbs and LED lighting, and opting for cleaner fuels like biodiesel.

Carbon offset is still a new word for average people. Awareness of the same in the form of proper education on the matter is the way forward towards a healthy and sustainable environment.

Learn more about carbon credits and carbon offset and get a deeper understanding on how you can help in saving the environment. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

categories: business,marketing,business management consulting,carbon management,carbon information,carbon offset,carbon trading,carbon credits

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