Carbon credits

Perhaps you've already heard of carbon credits? One carbon credit equals one tonne of carbon dioxide.

Carbon credits are usually granted to industrialized countries and companies that are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions in keeping with the Kyoto Protocol (countries that ratify the protocol commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5% below their 1990 levels by 2012).

If, despite its best efforts, a country or company does not succeed in reaching the quotas set forth by the protocol, it must then purchase carbon credits. Buying carbon credits is therefore a bit like purchasing the right to pollute.

One way to get carbon credits is to financially contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction projects in developing countries.

You too, can do your part

For some time now, a number of organizations have suggested that citizens should also make up for their personal greenhouse gas emissions.

For example, several airlines now encourage clients to spend a small amount over and above the price of their ticket to offset the pollution generated by their travels. The money collected by the airlines is donated to environmental organizations, who in turn invest it to fight climate change (often by financing projects In developing countries.)

Since last year, National Hockey League players have been taking part in the carbon neutral program launched by the David Suzuki Foundation. The foundation measured the amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the players' frequent travels and each player pays an amount to offset his share. Andrew Frerence, the defenseman for the Boston Bruins, was the one who came up with the idea.

You can now buy carbon offsets to neutralize the pollution created by your automobile, house or even a wedding. Be careful, however. Don't be taken In by untrustworthy people who are using this new trend to take money from unsuspecting people. If you or someone in your family is interested in purchasing carbon credits, do it from a reputable organization like Planetair, which offers "Gold Standard" credits, the highest quality carbon credit label In the voluntary market.