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Effectiveness of Carbon Offset

Effectiveness of Carbon Offset is the ability of an instrument to accurately represent reduction in greenhouse gases (GHGs). Carbon dioxide equivalent is used to measure carbon offsets in metric tons. The decrease of 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide is represented by 1 carbon or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

Carbon offsets refer to creating carbon emission credits from other nation, which emit less greenhouse gases or CO2 in the environment. Offsets are sold and purchased by a online retailers, trading platforms and international brokers.

Several projects addressing the issue of reducing carbon emission generate carbon offsets. Renewable energy is a common such project, which include hydroelectric dams, wind farms and biomass energy. Some other projects are on destroying industrial pollutants as well as agricultural byproducts, energy efficiency projects, forestry projects and combustion of methane.

The primary objective of carbon offsets is to mitigate carbon dioxide emission in the atmosphere across the globe. In the process, it also helps in improving the life of people.

The highest standard in the world for carbon offsets is the Gold Standard. It ensures that these carbon offsets meet the fundamental criteria set by different offset projects. It consists of environmental and social indicators that ensure that sustainable development goals of the parent country are met. Generally, renewable energy projects and energy efficient projects qualify to buy the Gold Standard carbon offsets.

There are several benefits and co-benefits of carbon offsets. In fact, effectiveness of carbon offset lies in fulfilling the motives such as controlling the emission of carbon gas and reducing greenhouse gas pollution; better education for children who are engaged in wood fuel collection; conservation of forests (which act as carbon dioxide sinks); and safety for women who work in forests for hours.

(c) Stanley Street Labs, 2008