We believe that carbon offsetting can be an ethical and responsible part of the global effort to fight climate change, and that offsetting projects can be conducted with robust ethical, scientific and social standards.
We also believe that carbon offsetting should not be the first solution to tackling a person or organisation’s carbon footprint, nor should it be used for ‘greenwashing’ by companies looking for green credentials with the least effort and lowest price tag.
We work with people and organisations looking to offset the carbon emissions that they can’t avoid. We live in a globalised world where cutting emissions is critical yet in cases challenging, and we as a global community are on a path to low-carbon lifestyles. We dream of a world where carbon offsetting is not needed and where natural ecosystems are restored and can act as efficient carbon sinks. Until we reach that point, we see carbon offsetting as a means to mitigate the unavoidable emissions and to help facilitate the protection and restoration of carbon-rich ecosystems.
We also believe that 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. Finally, we believe that offsetting can play a role in mitigating the remaining emissions that cannot be avoided.
We have developed the ‘3 Ps of the Climate Crisis’ to communicate our stance on where offsetting sits in a wider global strategy on climate change. Please help us spread the message and share this guide widely.
Download PDF here.
Please help us spread the message and share this guide widely. Download PDF here.