More Carbon Offsets

[labingi]

Over here in Oregon, we are bathed in ash and setting temperature records as fires rage in the Columbia Gorge, and I have soothed my sense of frustration a little by purchasing 150 tons in carbon offsets from Climate Neutral Now.

It is true offsets are not the best answer. Like geoengineering, they can make us feel like we're doing something when what we really need to do is reign in our own carbon emissions. But they do do something: these UN-vetted projects are not only reducing carbon emissions but helping create jobs, education, and healthier local environments in the developing world.

As opposed to REDD+, which has been widely accused of exploiting indigenous populations in the name of industry offsets, Climate Neutral Now favors local projects that return benefits to the local ecology/economy. I encourage folks to check it out.

Comments

[tropicsbear]

I just read about what's happening in the US rn in terms of weather. Hope you're doing alright.

[labingi]

Thanks for thinking of us. We're safe in Portland; the fires aren't expected to reach us. We're under a bad air quality advisory, and I feel a little like I'm living in Beijing.

[sallymn]

It's horrible, isn't it? Please take care, especially when outside until the air clears.....

[labingi]

Thank you! The air quality is much better now due to shifts in the winds. The fire near us, I believe, is about 5% contained. It has now burned about 33,000 acres.

[sallymn]

That's an improvement, but still worrying... stay safe!!

[labingi]

Thanks!