Carbon Offsets
Over a morning cup of joe, Eric and I got to talking about the pros and cons of carbon offsets.
It's easy to see why hardcore environmentalists would disapprove of them conceptually because of the disincentive to change our own consumptive behaviors. But on a practical level, they are a step in the right direction... aren't they?
Help us frame the debate. Please comment on carbon offsets and whether you think they are a good or bad thing.
Comments
I think carbon offsets are positive. When somebody buys a carbon offset, they're helping to take personal ownership in the global warming problem. And nothing says that people who buy offsets are not trying to reduce their carbon footprint in other ways such as by reducing consumption of fossil fuels. For example, I bought a carbon offset for my car this year, and then I went out and found a job that allowed me to use public transportation to get to work easily. Now the car just sits in the lot. I don't feel I "cheated" by buying an offset. I also don't feel "cheated" for offsetting carbon that I'm no longer emitting (by not driving.)
Posted by: Capt. Jack Sparrow | June 21, 2007 09:24 PM