Think You Can Offset Your Carbon Footprint? Think Again
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Carbon dioxide emissions have been a concern of environmentalists for decades, but recently the upsurge in fear about global warming has brought this hot topic into an even more glaring light.
While it is true that proponents of the global warming theory have largely blamed both carbon dioxide and methane gas emissions for the increase in global temperatures and melting of the polar icecaps, they have also offered possible solutions, or at least helpful measures that they claim might help to slow the progression of global warming by decreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Planting Trees Is Not Enough. Here’s Why:
One of the proposed methods is that of planting trees that have a particular affinity for binding carbon, such as fir and pine. Both of these types of trees consume huge quantities of carbon dioxide form the environment in which they grow, and proponents of so-called “carbon offsetting” say that by planting these trees we will reduce atmospheric carbon.
But there are a few problems with this whole theory:
- First, it has never been proven that planting more trees reduce atmospheric carbon in any measurable amount.
- The second problem is that while these large trees do use a high level of carbon through their own growth, they also consume huge quantities of water and other soil nutrients leaving these resources unavailable to the neighboring organisms, including humans.
In some areas where this plan of large-scale tree planting has been implemented, there were measurable reductions in available water in local streams, creating problems for the inhabitants of those areas who rely completely on the local water supply. Trees also limit the growth of grasses and short underbrush, contributing to hillside erosion and runoff. Ultimately, planting all of these trees might cause more harm than good.
The Real Way To Help Offset Your Carbon Footprint
On the other hand, there are a few simple measures that most people can take if they want to do their part in reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
- Be responsible with vehicles and machinery that produce carbon dioxide. Combining trips in your car and reducing unnecessary airplane trips are ways that most of us can do our part without going to extremes.
- Limit the use of aerosol sprays and other noxious chemicals is another way to act responsibly.
- Turn things off when you’re not using them. Any attempt to use as little electricity as possible will help reduce man-kinds carbon footprint.
The point is, thinking that we can counteract the buildup of atmospheric carbon dioxide by simply planting certain foliage or taking other extreme measures is probably folly. Using less energy and finding cleaner alternative energy sources is a more logical path to carbon neutrality.
The war to reduce carbon emissions is fought on the individual level. Planting more trees doesn’t necessarily get rid of the problem. But rather it can be likened to sweeping the dirt under the proverbial rug.
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Oh dear! A terrible blog I am afraid.
1. You completely misinterpret offsetting. Lets say you do a fantastic job of cutting your carbon emissions by 50%. What do you do about the remaining other 50%? Ofsetting is what you do about this remaining 50%. If you find emissions reductions projects elsewhere that take you net carbon emissions to zero then you have offset this 50% of emissions that you presumably could not avoid.
2. Offsetting is not about trees. Proper offsetting involves renewable and energy efficiency projects (and sequestration) where the carbon finance is the difference between the project happening or not. THere are a host of great projects which are being funded right now in developing countries- biogas, methane to energy, run of the river hydro, efficient cook stoves, wind and so on… Open your eyes – have a look http://www.carbon-clear.com or http://www.jpmorganiclimatecare.com
Look climate change is an enormous issue and we need to use everything in our armoury. No single action will be enough. So please lets talk about ANDs not ORs.
So lets slash our usage, encourage the business we trade with to do the same, plant trees, and invest in carbon emission reduction projects in developing countries so that they can follow a low carbon and sustainable path to development.
Hi Ted,
I agree with you! Well, I agree with everything except the part that this is a horrible blog. If you go back and reread the post, hopefully, you will also see that we are in agreement.
The whole purpose of the post is to say that “offsetting” isn’t the answer. It is merely a band-aid. Anyway you look at it, planting a tree is not going to offset CO2 emissions your Hummer is putting out.
I have had a look and yes, there are some really great organizations that are out there trying to help but let’s face it, the only way we are going to reduce are carbon footprint is by reducing our carbon footprint, not offsetting it.
Thanks for contributing your opinion
Mandy
Well, its a provacative post for sure! And for me anyways, it does raise questions around how much carbon offsetting is actually greenwashing for large organizations. These climate change related topics never really get to the bottom of the actual issue at hand, which is carbon emissions. An extremely simple example of this is the number of cars we all see during the morning and afternoon rushhour commutes……cars with ONE person in them. That is a personal, lifestyle choice. Carpooling and public transportation are options available that are akin to carbon offsetting. Until people decide to start making these changes in their own lives, carbon offsetting is moving one step forward two steps back.