Carbon Offsetting in 60 Seconds
Carbon offsetting sounds simple: emit carbon here, cancel it out somewhere else. But the reality is more complex.
Offsetting usually means paying for projects that absorb or avoid emissions, like planting trees, protecting forests, or funding renewable energy. Done well, it can support climate goals and biodiversity at the same time.
But here’s the problem, not all offsets are equal.
Some tree planting schemes fail because the tree’s don’t survive. Others double count credits or exaggerate their impact.
Worse still, offsetting can be misused as an excuse not to reduce emissions at source.
So what does good offsetting look like?
Verified and accredited by trusted standards.
Long term, measurable, and transparent.
Used only for the hardest to remove emissions, not as a first choice.
Think of offsetting as the finishing touch, not the foundation.
We can’t buy our way out of climate change, we have to reduce emissions first.
Used responsibly, offsetting, helps bridge the final gap to net zero.
Used irresponsibly, it’s just greenwashing.
💬3 Questions to spark a chat
What makes a carbon offsetting project credible or trustworthy?
How can your organisation prioritise real emission reductions before offsets?
When, if ever, is offsetting an acceptable part of a sustainability strategy?
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