I am researching Carbon Offsetting and Carbon Credits and I would like input on the following topics from people/organizations already involved in this process:
-Who you buy carbon credits from and why (or who you promote as a carbon offset project and what are your criteria)
-Your opinion on the Gold Standard and whether you think it best policy to only advocate organizations who are certified by this international accreditation
-There are a limited number of Gold Standard organizations, so finding an accredited local organization can be impossible. If you have chosen to invest in (or promote) local businesses/organizations as a carbon offset project, how have you ensured additionality (the reductions achieved by a project need to be additional to what would have happened if the project had not been carried out)?
Many thanks.
Gina Patterson
(902) 420-8802
[email protected]
Clean Nova Scotia
126 Portland St.,
Dartmouth Nova Scotia,
Canada, B2Y 1H8
long distance: 1-800-665-5377
local:(902) 420-8802
fax: (902) 424-5334
Carbon Credits and Offset Projects
Sign in or Sign up to comment
...
Hi Gina -
With all due respect, I think that the simple reality is that offsetting and credits are exploitive mechanisms to continue polluting mostly at the expense of poor countries and communities. As far as our natural life support systems are concerned, there are no levels of greenhouse gas pollution (or any other pollution for that matter) that are acceptable. Continuing to pollute because we imagine that we can buy our way out of it is beyond irrational. The climate is careening out of control, and efforts to rescue "the market" are sheer folly. We can mend our ways willingly, or nature will continue to mend them for us in the most impolite of ways. I think that understanding and communicating this - firmly - is an essential element of fostering sustainable behavior. That is, sustainable behavior is decidedly not optional, and there are deadlines that we face, many of which we have already passed. You can read some excellent critical commentary on carbon "trading" mechanisms here: http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/subject/climate/
Cheers,
Adam
781 674-2339 in climate-confused Lexington, Massachusetts, U.S.A. where last week it was 6F, and this week it will break the 50F mark