Carbon offsets are the balancing of the carbon dioxide that is put into the atmosphere as a result of human activity, this ultimately causes an increase in global warming. Global warming is where the temperature of the entire planet rises, causing dramatic changes in climate that puts the life on the planet at risk of extinction. Carbon offsets are becoming more popular all the time as humans strive to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they are putting into the air. More specifically, carbon offsets are when people or companies will pay for the carbon dioxide they put into the air. The money often goes into programs dedicated to creating renewable sources of energy or into projects that can help reduce the effects of global warming (e.g. planting trees)
Though it might not seem it at first, carbon offset programs are actually quite effective. If there is one thing that humans like to do, it is to save money. Carbon offsets, which are usually purchased by larger companies, encourage them to find alternative sources of energy so that they can stop paying carbon offsets. Other forms of carbon offsetting, such as the planting of trees after an area has been cleared, are also effective in that the trees being cut down are being replaced with new trees, which will continue to collect the carbon dioxide from the air. When thinking about how carbon offsets can encourage individuals and companies to become greener in order to save money, it can become quite clear how well it can work.
When first looked at, carbon offsetting might not appear to be something that can help stop global warming. The truth is that carbon offsetting can be somewhat of a slow process, but don’t let that fool you. Carbon offsetting can be quite effective. By encouraging companies and individuals to find alternative ways to get their energy, we are not only providing a way for these companies to save money, we are also helping reduce the amount of carbon that is put into the air. A tree being planted, replacing one which has just been cut down, helps to reduce the effects of deforestation and replenishes the vegetation that keeps carbon dioxide from building up in the air.
Finding alternative energy and replenishing resources are two major examples of how carbon offsetting can help to stop global warming. In fact, when enforced, carbon offset programs can be extremely effective in that finding ways to save money often has companies and individuals scrambling to find alternatives. If putting carbon into the air comes at great expense, then alternatives start looking cheaper in the long run and a sure way to save money. These alternatives will then mean less carbon being put into the air, which will slow global warming. |
