"Bless me Mother Nature for I have sinned."? The Problem with Carbon Offsets

"Bless me Mother Nature for I have sinned." The Problem with Carbon Offsets

Buying carbon offsets makes us feel good. Many organizations and individuals now buy carbon offsets because it is metaphorically like a sinner going to confession and being absolved of their wrong doing.

"Bless me Mother Nature for I have sinned."

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According to some estimates, by 2030 the carbon offset market will be $100 billion, up from $300 million in 2018. And with that potential growth come many players looking to make a quick buck from well intentioned but ill informed parties.



Furthermore, when sifting through multiple articles and papers on carbon offsets, there doesn't seem to be: a) a consensus of a good carbon offset program; b) a clear calculation of "I do A and as such a long term positive impact is made." Without proper certification (note there are some entities that indicate they are certifying carbon offsets, but their calculations are highly questionable) we are left with just feeling good about what we did, but not actually having lasting, if any, impact.

A recent rant from John Oliver, has a pretty good depiction of the charlatans in the carbon offset business.

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The drive to net-zero (which is real zero - offsets according to Green Peace) is a smoke screen that enables companies who are polluters, to herald on their marketing material that they have achieved, or are on the way to, achieve net-zero, which makes them the darlings of their stakeholders, whether clients, the Board, etc.

Buying offsets can also become a bit of an addiction when you receive positive, although ill informed, feedback from these stakeholders. Because what happens if you stop? Just like an addiction, withdrawal should be gradual, with other more effective measures put in the place of offsets.

If you are purchasing an offset, your organization should be making other immense strides in reducing green house gas emissions. And you should deep dive on the nature of the offset. Buying an offset should not just be a magical misdirection.

So what is the answer?

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There never is a simple answer when it comes to sustainability, but that doesn't mean we don't keep looking for it. But carbon offsets are not the answer, yet given the anticipated growth in this market it is obvious that many organizations may have given up on actually achieving real zero and are utilizing carbon offsets as their solution to accomplish "net zero."

Wouldn't it be better to focus all this money and energy on not "sinning" as opposed to looking for regular absolution through carbon offsets?

I believe this is the only way to save our planet, and thus save humanity.

Melody Byblow

Holistic Nutritionist, Workplace Wellness Strategy, Holistic Stress Mastery, Executive Wellness Leadership, Certified Mindful Leader at Holistic Wellness Advantage Inc.

2 年

I think there's a lot of misinformation out there about how carbon is affecting this planet. Carbon is one of the essential molecules of life itself, that plants need in their photosynthesis cycles which is converted to other molecules, carbohydrates and oxygen. What I'd like to know is why the federal government thinks that charging homeowners hefty fees on natural gas used to heat their homes is going to solve anything? It's simply making life in Canada more unaffordable and contributing to inflation. Where are all these carbon tax dollars going? https://www.livescience.com/51720-photosynthesis.html

Abigael S.

ESG Sustainability Enthusiast Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist Urban and Regional Planning Lover of nature Collaborator and volunteer

2 年

Trying not to 'sin' is better. I agree with you,trying to explore other ways to promote sustainability while buying offsets is a better effort. Besides,it controls the 'addiction' that comes with the ability and participation of offsetting carbon emissions.

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