Carbon offsets: Solution or quick fix?

Carbon offsetting is all the rage within the events industry. But what exactly does a carbon offset achieve? Certainly, the idea of planting a tree for every metre flown goes a long way in offsetting the guilt associated with burning so many tonnes of jet fuel, but how sustainable is this approach?Besides tree planting, there are a wide variety of offset methods in use, with renewable energy and energy conservation offsets popping up both in Australia and abroad. The purchase and withdrawal of emissions trading credits are also being seen.

But is this a real solution to reducing greenhouse emissions or just a quick fix? George Monbiot, an English environmentalist and writer, has compared carbon offsets to the practice of purchasing indulgences during the Middle Ages, whereby people believed they could purchase forgiveness for their sins rather than actually repenting and not sinning.

Monbiot also says carbon offsets are an excuse for business as usual with regards to pollution. The current approach may not be perfect, but at least event producers are now acknowledging the need to reduce their environmental impact.

Be sure to check out the new monthly Going Green section in the September issue of CIM for more, workable green initiatives from C&I professionals.