Carbon Offsetting and other Mixed Messages
21st July 2008
These days there is a lot of talk in the media about Global Warming, and also a lot of information flying around about what people can do to lessen their contribution to the problem. The worst suggestion of all as to what people can do to lessen their contribution is Carbon Offsetting. This gives people the impression that they can carry on exactly as they are as long as they pay a bit extra, which is quite dangerous thinking when the reality is that people need to change their behaviour for us to have a realistic chance of stopping global warming before its too late. A prime example of this is driving. The message that people are receiving is that “doing your bit” involves buying a more efficient car, rather than not driving at all and catching the bus. I’ve seen an advert recently by the UK Department for Transport telling people how to reduce their C02 emissions, including making sure your car has the correct tyre pressure.