Every person or company emits CO2, contributing to climate change and global warming. Thus, we must take climate action to reduce and avoid Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions →. But, currently, there are plenty of emissions we cannot avoid. These are the emissions we need to offset or compensate. Here is how that works:

WHAT IS CARBON OFFSETTING

The short version is: Carbon offsetting is compensating your CO2 emissions by offsetting what you can’t avoid.

The advanced version is: A carbon offset is a reduction or removal of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gas emissions to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.

The easiest way to minimise carbon footprint is to reduce emissions by living more sustainably. Here, we talk about ‘avoidable emissions’, such as switching to green electricity, online meetings instead of travelling for meetings, using the train instead of flying, etc.
However, you might produce ‘unavoidable emissions’, such as the brand-new laptop you get at your new workplace or the overnight flight to see your family.
This is where carbon offsetting becomes relevant.

HOW DOES CARBON OFFSETTING WORK?

You can offset your Carbon Footprint → by planting trees and buying carbon credits. But how does this work? Let’s dive into the details.

BUYING CARBON CERTIFICATES

One way to offset your carbon footprint is by buying carbon certificates.
That is, emission rights are taken away from big industrial polluters, forcing them to reduce their carbon emissions.

PLANTING TREES

Another popular way to offset your emissions is by planting climate-resilient mixed forests. Through this, CO2 is absorbed and stored by trees, so called ‘Carbon Sinks’ →.

HOW TO OFFSET CO2-EMISSIONS?

Companies specialising in carbon compensation services provide different offsetting models to compensate for your emissions.

Good carbon offset projects measurably save CO2 and drive the energy transition. Poorly executed offset projects may just be greenwashing. Watch out and compare offers before you make a decision!

A trustworthy certificate for such projects is the seal “The Gold Standard,” which aims to ensure that compensation projects lead to a reduction in greenhouse gases.

Here are some examples of how providers could offset your emissions.
Search their websites to find detailed offers and information.

Tree planting and carbon credits:

Carbon footprint
For Tomorrow
Treedom
Plant for the planet
Reforestaction
Sustomize (for companies)
World Watchers (for companies)

Oceans conservation projects:

The Ocean Foundation

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Now we know how to offset our emissions. However, if you want to begin to avoid and reduce your CO2 footprint, here is how to get started:
Reducing Your CO2 Footpint in 3 Steps →.