The debate continues to rage, and I don't suppose it will let up any time soon–the debate, that is, over the effectiveness of carbon neutral schemes and the credibility of eco-businesses selling carbon offsets.

From the New York Times to the Aspen Daily News, the question continues to be raised: how much real value does carbon trading provide the environment?

Some critics say carbon offsets simply lessen the guilt of folks who would rather not conserve and actually reduce their carbon footprint; others focus on the greenwashing opportunities for corporations more interested in marketing than really making a difference. One group has even published a study titled The Carbon Neutral Myth, and compare existing carbon offsets to indulgences granted by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages.

On the other hand, proponents argue that the benefits have as much to do with education and stimulating public discourse as they do actual reduction of CO2 emissions.

Here's how Adam Stein at Terrapass answers the critics:

Why…is this criticism so persistent? I have a theory that the criticism mistakenly links to unrelated facts. The first fact is that society as a whole is not taking climate change seriously enough, either at the level of government or individuals. Simply put, we are not in aggregate making choices that reflect the seriousness of the issue.

The second fact is that a small but growing portion of the population has started voluntarily purchasing carbon offsets to help mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions.

Taken together, you can sort of see the chain of inference here. We as a society are still buying fleets of SUVs and heating our pools to 85°. We’re also starting to buy carbon offsets. It’s not really surprising that some environmentalists are feeling the urge to jump up and down and shout, “Hey, society, you’re missing the point!”

But the frustration seems misdirected. Offsets aren’t the problem, and anyway, the people buying them for the most part aren’t the ones leaving their plasma TVs on all day. The problem is a general lack of awareness, understanding, and concern. And as far as we can tell, carbon offsets help to address that problem, not contribute to it.

I couldn't agree more.

Carbon Neutral Journal's thoughts are brought to you by Hawtin Jorgensen Architects.

Popularity: 18%