FAQ

1. What is climate change?

Regional climate change can be described as the conditions that a region experiences throughout its seasonal cycle. Global climate change takes the average of all the regions and it uses that as a whole of the planet’s climate. Climate change occurs when the average temperature of all regions vary to a heightened level.

Affects of climate change throughout the world give reason for finding sustainable ways to reduce the detrimental effects of climate change.

Research has indicated a rise in the temperature around the world. There is evidence to support that this change has begun to cause serious problems.

• Glaciers and permafrost have been melting
• Sea levels have been rising, causing threat to cities surrounded by coastal areas.
• Reports of heavier rainfall, causing flooding
• Carbon Dioxide rising in the waters creating unsustainable living conditions for aquamarine life.

Although this is a short, incomplete list of problems caused by the effects of climate change, it becomes apparent that everyone who wishes to maintain a sustainable way of life addresses this problem.

2. What are greenhouse gases?

There are four major components. Water (H²O), while it contributes to a large amount of the greenhouse gases, it can also help counter the effects of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide (CO²) is the most abundant. Methane (CH⁴) is produced by production of oil, and by the release of organic waste compounds. Nitrous oxide (N²O) is produced by agricultural means, and by the use of fuel.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) help maintain the correct density of the earth’s atmosphere. This allows the earth’s ecological processes help carry on at their normal rate and keeps organisms in balance. This natural process has been accelerated through human consumption of natural resources, producing an unnatural rise of gases.

3. What is a carbon offset?

Carbon offset is a means to reduce, offset or avoid GHG emissions. These reductions in a particular area, such as a manufacturing plant, allow another location the opportunity to provide balance to the total amount of emissions put into the atmosphere. Ideally, this can reduce the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere.

All GHGs move freely within the atmosphere. The effect of carbon offset on one particular are has the ability to affect the entire atmosphere.

4. How are offsets generated?

There are plenty of resources available offering education on how the offsets are generated. Harnessing the energy of the sun using solar panels, wind technology to generate electricity, re-forestation and the reduction of carbon emissions are a few examples of how carbon offsets can be generated.

5. Why are carbon offsets beneficial?

The benefits of carbon offsets are numerous. They are easy to implement, and help society live in a sustainable environment.
Many organizations have come up with plans and incentives to inform all involved in making the correct choices to move forward on minimizing GHGs.

Improving the quality of living of our society is a major concern. Carbon offsets can offer a renewed sense of hope.

• Further enhance funding to seek new, productive and less harmful ways to produce goods that benefit the world.
• Find cost effective solutions that reduce harm to the environment.
• Increase employment by offering jobs to those looking for a greener approach to their daily lives.
• Conservation of our natural resources.

6. Are some offsets better than others?

Some argue that there is only a specific way to calculate accurately a business or person’s use. A particular company may have different standards than another, as this market remains unregulated. Research into various companies and what methods they use to employ their statistics is necessary. Some follow more tight knit regulations than do others.

7. What are the features of high quality offsets?

There are signs to look for when looking into high quality offsets. A few important things to look for are:

• Do they invest in projects that are energy efficient?
• How do they calculate their emission output and input?
• Who is doing the oversight on their business information?
• Is their work necessary? Would the work have been carried out regardless of the offset company’s intervention?
• Do they encourage the most cost effective solution to the problem?
Additionally, these companies must have a plan to reduce emissions, but also how to install the most efficient means of reduction.

8. Are there any regulatory standards for offsets?

Efforts are being made to reach an agreement to produce specific standards and procedures in the offset industry. As of yet, little progress has been made. The U.S. has made a few strides in mandating companies in this field. Although, currently, it is mainly a voluntary process that leaves each company with their own standards of quality.

There are companies that offer voluntary carbon offsets following specific standards that they have set in place. These standards can vary from company to company. These standards not only come from the companies themselves but also some of their affiliates. Some companies and standards come from the following:

• Kyoto Protocol (CDM)
• Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)- A mandated U.S. company
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSI)
• The Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS)
• Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) standards
• Green-e
• The Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standards (CCBA)

9. Why is offset quality so important?

The definition of carbon offset is to reduce emissions or GHGs to offset those made elsewhere. The quality of those involved in ensuring the quality of carbon offset is of vital importance. If false claims arise and real reduction of emissions and GHGs do not happen, the ramifications could be harmful to an industry that is still emerging.

Non-regulation of voluntary carbon offset companies opens doors to criticism of how certain companies practice. There is importance in forming a set of uniform standards of testing and oversight. This could eliminate the companies who are not providing a legit service to their community and nations as a whole.

10. When I purchase carbon offsets, where does my money go?

Reputable companies spend the majority of the money helping to reduce emission reductions. As with any business, they will still need to cover their own personal costs of running a business. As the business of carbon offsetting grows, the market becomes more competitive. This can entice many companies to express a strong desire to provide customer satisfaction with how their money is being spent.

Any legitimate vendor will be able to produce records of how the money is being spent, and offer explanations if they are inquired about.

11. Are carbon offsets tax deductible?

That will depend on what organization carbon offsets are purchased from. If money is paid to a for-profit company, it will not be tax deductible. If payment is made to a non-profit organization, the amount of tax deduction may vary.

12. Are carbon offsets merely a means to reduce guilt while continuing to pollute?

The complete eradication of pollution is impossible. Carbon offsets offers a way to reduce pollution that is within our control. It serves to educate the public how to be pro-active in their personal lives. Carbon offset companies offer calculators so that a person can find their own ways to reduce their personal emissions. A person reading this information should only feel obligated to make decisions appropriate for their situation.