Carbon Offsets = Greenwashing?

For a while, it seemed like carbon offsets were a first and good step in addressing the impacts of climate change. Now, as more data is coming online, the answer is not that simple.

I’ve always had a bit of discomfort with the concept of carbon offsets. In some ways, they give permission to continue to produce carbon for those who choose to pay for offsets, with little to no impact on changing behavior. Further, as they are voluntary, they suddenly felt more like a “green badge” with little behind it.

There have recently been a few research studies that have come out to demonstrate that carbon offsets aren’t quite what they claim to be. Most recent is this piece from The Guardian that cites research from Die Zeit (a German Weekly news outlet), and SourceMaterial a “non-profit investigative journalism organization”. I invite you to read the article and research for yourself and draw your own conclusions.