We live in a world where cutting emissions is critical yet challenging. Yet, we as a global community are on a path to low-carbon lifestyles. We dream of a world where natural ecosystems are restored. Until we reach that point,  offsetting can be useful as a means to compensate for unavoidable emissions and to help facilitate the protection and restoration of ecosystems.

There are more important strategies than carbon offsetting in achieving a sustainable world. Political change is critical for national and international-level ambition for and facilitation of low-carbon lifestyles and industries. We believe that personal reductions in carbon emissions should be prioritised over offsets – extravagant, high-carbon, and unsustainable lifestyles cannot be excused by offsetting.

Offsetting can play a role in mitigating emissions that cannot be avoided. As well as supporting conservation and communities, offsetting emissions can be an ethical and responsible part of the global effort to fight climate change. Offsetting projects can be conducted with robust ethical, scientific, and social standards. However, offsetting should not be the first solution to tackling an individual or organisation’s emissions. This can leave those liable to be guilty of greenwashing.