Why I Buy Carbon Credits

I buy carbon credits. Monthly. More specifically, I spend about ten dollars a month to offset 2,000 pounds of carbon emissions per month. 

In New York City it looks like the average resident emits roughly 6 metric tons a year, which is around 13,000 pounds. I'm offsetting about 24,000 pounds a year, and I don't own a motor vehicle and live in a very small apartment, so I'm guessing I actually emit somewhat less than average. At the same time, I fly a lot. A flight to LA from NYC produces (roughly) 2,000 pounds of carbon, which I sometimes remember to offset - but only sometimes. All else equal, I'm guessing I produce less than I offset in a given year but probably not this year (so many weddings). At the same time, I have 30+ years of emissions that I am yet to offset. Doing so at current rates would cost $3,600, although I lived outside of the city then (so emissions may be higher), was a child for much of it (lower) and lived in China (higher and lower?), so I obviously can't calculate this number with any precision.

The bottom line is that I'm making an effort to offset the carbon I emit into the atmosphere, and for a modest sum I actually can do that. There is obviously much, much more I could do, but I think this example illustrates how cheaply those of us with discretionary spending get make a significant impact on our emissions. Preventing global warming is also, in my opinion, probably one of the best ways to make a charitable contribution. Global warming will inevitably lead to human hunger and instability, as well as levy an immense and irreplaceable ecological cost.

For the specifics of my offsets, I use terrapass. From the (admittedly modest) amount of research I did, they were a very well reviewed firm that seemed to actually be trusted by people who knew what they were talking about.

Finally, it's important to note that these are offsets, not sequesters. The money I give to terrapass is spent on projects so that carbon that would be produced is otherwise not produced. Offsets don't (yet) offer the ability to actually take carbon out of the atmosphere that is already there, unless they are planting trees.  

These offsets make sense, make them. 

I'm also not an expert, so if anyone does have information on offsets, reputable firms, or more efficient means to fight climate change, please let me know. 

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