What is GHG emissions offsetting?

$GHG$ EMISSIONS OFFSETTING

(CARBON NEUTRALITY)

To Understand Offsetting, Let's First Understand $GHG$ Emissions

In our daily lives, human beings generate—whether intentionally or not—greenhouse gases ( $GHG$ ) that enter the atmosphere. The main gas is carbon dioxide ( $CO2$ ), which is why they are often referred to as carbon emissions or $GHG$ emissions. Other gases exist, such as methane ( $CH4$ ), which is also composed of carbon, and nitrous oxide ( $N2O$ ). Separately, there is water vapor (the most emitted) and sulfur hexafluoride (the least emitted), along with others. For the purpose of accounting when measuring our carbon footprint, all of these gases are collectively referred to by a single name: $CO2$ equivalent ( $CO2$ ).

Since these emissions are generated by human activities, they are known as anthropogenic emissions or anthropogenic pollutants. The most significant are those that originate directly from the industrial sector, primarily because these are not inevitable natural emissions but are actively, deliberately, and artificially generated. We generate the most waste in manufacturing and in the production of everything we need. Some of this waste is truly harmful, as is the case with toxic metals.

We can divide anthropogenic emissions and/or pollution into two main categories based on their origin:

Controlled Anthropogenic Emission: This is emission that occurs in a controlled and planned environment. It must be supervised by qualified personnel and adhere to the laws and regulations of the country where it takes place. An example is the emission of gases in an industry during the production process.
Accidental Anthropogenic Emission: This relates to unplanned and uncontrolled situations. It can range from a small spill caused by a fault in an onshore warehouse to major catastrophes such as sunken oil tankers or nuclear power plant leaks.

Every sector of industrial or productive activity must take into account the laws and safety measures necessary to prevent accidents that damage the environment and also to control the anthropogenic pollutants they may release externally.

Types of Anthropogenic Pollutants

Anthropogenic pollutants are created in all human activities, ranging from crafts or domestic work to mining or manufacturing. Their emission mainly occurs in:

The Industrial Sector: The manufacturing economy is considered to be the one that can produce the most anthropogenic pollution. At the very least, some of the most dangerous waste, such as toxic metals, is often generated in industrial settings. The escape of gases and dust into the atmosphere by the industrial sector worsens global warming, and industry is responsible for a large part of air and water pollution.

Energy Production: Another major focus of anthropogenic pollutants is the creation of energy and supplies. While renewable energy and energy efficiency greatly help reduce pollution, the energy demand is enormous and creates a lot of waste.

Human Activity: Our daily lives also produce these types of pollutants, which are also called "human activity" pollutants. This includes organic waste as well as emissions from cars and trucks. Sewage and everything related to our cities contribute to the emission of anthropogenic pollutants.

Agricultural and Livestock Work: Fertilizers, as well as the organic waste produced by animals and the plants we grow, are also part of these pollutants.

Waste Disposal: Burning, destroying, or disposing of the waste we produce in any manner also generates significant anthropogenic pollution. In any case, environmental concern has curtailed this damage, and recycling curbs the creation of new waste.

Anthropogenic emissions or pollutants skyrocketed with the industrial development of the 20th century, increasing from less than 10 gigatons of $CO2$ e per year ( $GtCO2e/year$ ) in the first half of the 20th century (pre-Industrial Revolution) to more than 35 $GtCO2e/year$ in the second half of the 20th century (post-Industrial Revolution). This is due not only to the intensification of industrial production but also to transport, and these numbers continue to rise in the 21st century.

Now, What Are $GHG$ Emissions Offsets?

$GHG$ emissions offsets, or carbon footprint compensation, are a tool that allows individuals, companies, or organizations to neutralize the $GHG$ emissions they generate. It's important to note that these are called offsets because, at most, individuals, companies, industries, and organizations can do everything necessary and possible to REDUCE (decrease) their $GHG$ emissions, but they can never bring their emissions down to zero, as they will always generate emissions during the course of their activities.

Therefore, what they can do is turn to those who can achieve a positive carbon balance ( $C+$ ) —that is, those who have more REMOVALS of $GHG$ from the atmosphere than they emit— to buy their surplus removals (also called captures) and use them to "neutralize" their emissions. In other words, they cannot achieve carbon neutrality on their own, so they must neutralize their emissions by paying for removals from another party in the form of credits.

How Do Offsets Work?

Calculate the Carbon Footprint: An assessment is conducted to determine the amount of $GHG$ emitted by a person, company, or activity over a specific period. This measurement is expressed in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent ( $CO2e$ ).
Select an Emission Reduction Project: A project is chosen that reduces or eliminates the same amount of $GHG$ as the calculated carbon footprint. These projects can be related to:
- Renewable Energy: Investment in projects that promote the generation of solar, wind, geothermal, or other types of energy.
- Energy Efficiency: Support for initiatives that improve energy efficiency in buildings, industries, or production processes.
- Afforestation/Reforestation: Contribution to planting trees that absorb $CO2$ from the atmosphere.
- Forest Protection: Support for projects that conserve and protect existing forests, preventing the release of $CO2$ stored in biomass.
Invest in the Project: An economic contribution is made to the selected project. The investment amount is usually proportional to the quantity of $GHG$ one wishes to offset.

For example:

I want to travel sustainably, protecting the environment and the planet:
2 round trips = 2,000 kg of CO2 emitted

I found a forestry project to offset my emissions:
1 tree removes 500 kg of CO2

To offset my 2 flights:
500 kg of CO2 x 4 trees = 2,000 kg of CO2 removed

In conclusion: 2 flights - 4 trees = 0 CO2 emissions

What Are the Advantages of Emissions Offsetting?

Neutralize Environmental Impact: They allow for the neutralization of $\text{GHG}$ emissions, contributing to the fight against climate change.
Support Sustainable Projects: They encourage the development and implementation of projects that reduce $\text{CO}_2$ emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
Increase Environmental Awareness: They raise awareness among people, companies, and organizations about the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable practices.

What Are the Limitations of Emissions Offsetting?

Not a Long-Term Solution: Offsetting should not be viewed as an excuse for not reducing one's own emissions. It is crucial to implement measures to continuously reduce the carbon footprint.
Project Quality: It is important to select reliable, high-quality projects that effectively reduce or eliminate $\text{GHG}$ emissions.
Cost: The investment in emissions offsetting can represent an additional cost for individuals, companies, or organizations.

Conclusion

Emissions offsetting can be a useful tool for neutralizing the environmental impact of our activities, but it should not be the sole strategy. It is essential to combine offsetting with the continuous reduction of our own emissions and support for the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

At PARTNER CEG Internacional, we are linked to agricultural projects, participating as allies in their development, while also working on the future development of several more for $GHG$ emissions offsetting. You can find more information on this topic in: PROJECTS.

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