How Do Carbon Offsets Work?
You might have heard the term carbon offsets without knowing exactly what it means. As a way to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, carbon offsets are becoming increasingly important in a globalized world. But how do carbon offsets work? Find out everything you need to know about this important initiative and learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint while traveling.
What Are Carbon Offsets?
A carbon offset is a way to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions produced elsewhere. For example, if you use air travel, there is a fairly significant amount of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere from the fuel. In most cases, a carbon offset sends money to an existing project that reduces current greenhouse gasses.
Air travel has a vital role to play in moving toward a greener, more sustainable future. Studies estimate that aviation accounts for anywhere from 2.5 to 3.5% of all carbon emissions. While that number may seem small, reducing carbon emissions through initiatives like carbon offsets can go a long way toward lessening the environmental impact of transportation.
How Do Carbon Offsets Work?
You might be wondering how a carbon offset works and what they do. As mentioned, you can think of carbon offsets as monetary support to projects that work to reduce the impact of carbon emissions. Your purchase of a carbon offset might go to a project that restores forests or helps to develop more energy-efficient vehicles. The cost of the offset corresponds directly to the amount of carbon that is captured so you can invest accordingly.
As a consumer, you can do some research and find a carbon offset program that funds an issue you are particularly passionate about, such as the environment or new technologies. With so many innovative programs looking for funding through carbon offsets, you’re sure to find one that aligns with your values.
How Do Carbon Offsets Work for Travel?
Air travel is a significant contributor to the accumulation of greenhouse gasses. Given the amount of fuel required to run commercial airlines, some kind of carbon emission is unavoidable. To put it into perspective, a flight from New York City to Los Angeles emits nearly four months’ worth of carbon, considering the average per person.
These statistics come at a time when companies are looking to make corporate travel more compliant with ESG, or non-financial issues important to investors. That’s where carbon offsets come in. As noted, you can purchase carbon offsets for any number of activities, perhaps emphasizing the areas where you are emitting the most greenhouse gases. There are many projects that work specifically to offset the impact of flying so do some research on the many carbon offset programs targeted at air travel.
Rethink Corporate Travel
So, how do carbon offsets work? Quite simply, they decrease your impact on the environment and help reduce carbon emissions. If you’re looking to work carbon offsets into your corporate travel program, check out our platform, which includes tools to help you choose a more sustainable flight.
