Publication

This note reviews arguments over the availability of carbon offset programs, describes the carbon market, and highlights some of the defining characteristics of a carbon offset. Carbon offsetting involves calculating a person or entity’s greenhouse gas emissions and then purchasing 'credits' from emission reduction projects that have prevented or removed the emission of an equivalent amount of greenhouse gas elsewhere. The paper points out that the voluntary carbon offset market is growing at a rapid rate. However, there is considerable debate over both the merit of carbon offsets themselves, and the different types available.