It is now very clear that human activities are causing the global climate to warm with potentially dangerous consequences. It is incumbent on all of us to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases. However, it is equally clear that it is not currently possible for any South African resident to entirely eliminate their carbon footprint. Carbon offsetting exists as a means to enable us to do something about our residual carbon footprints rather than just ignoring them.
It works by helping businesses and individuals to assess the size of their residual carbon footprints and then investing in projects around the world that save the emission of, or absorb, an equivalent amount of CO2. Through this process, businesses and individuals are able to balance out their unavoidable emissions and become CarbonZero.
While carbon offsetting has some detractors, it has plenty of high profile proponents with impeccable environmental credentials such as Jonathon Porritt and Dr Steve Howard, Chief Executive of the Climate Group.
There is a balance to be struck between offsetting and reduction. To see our view on this, click here.

