Firstly, think about this statistic: One long-haul return flight can produce more carbon dioxide per passenger than the average UK motorist in one year. (Netherlands Centre for Energy Conservation and Environmental Technology/DETR)
Recently, Responsibletravel.com, one of the first travel agencies to offer their travellers the option to offset their carbon footprint seven years ago, has decided to scrap the sheme. On their website, they claim that offsetting 'distracts' tourists from the need to reduce carbon emissions and "offsetting flights has too often been seen as an opportunity to go on flying the same amount or more."
Here at PeopleProfitPlanet, we firmly believe in the three R's of good environmental action, and "Reduce" is the most important one of them all. So, although carbon offsetting may alleviate some of your carbon guilt, overall making lifestyle changes will make a far greater impact in reducing your carbon footprint.
There is still some controversy over carbon offsetting, with environmentalist George Monbiot believing that carbon offsets are just "an excuse for business as usual" while others argue that it does lead to increased investment in renewable energy and reduces businesses carbon footprints. What are your opinions on Carbon offsetting?
Sources: Environmental Leader | Responsible Travel | Wiki |