Deck 16: Stationary-Source Local Air Pollutio

Question 1

Concerned individuals can now seek to reduce their carbon footprint by buying offsets. Air travelers, for example, are now asked if they wish to purchase offsets when they buy their ticket. Is this a complement or substitute for a national climate change policy? Why?

Answer 1

Many companies including those in air travel, automobiles rental, hotels have developed a carbon offset program in which they ask the buyers to purchase offsets. This is done to compensate for the carbon emission caused by the personal use of that service. This method is gaining popularity and almost all big brands are using it. Such a program makes the consumer aware of its action and the effect it has on the degradation of the quality of the environment.
In this sense, the method is a complement to the national climate change policy. This method should be applied in compliance with other policy measures. There are differences in the carbon pricing and a damage can be the result if production is shifted to those areas with low price of carbon. Hence these offsets attempt to equalize the carbon prices and are a proven policy tool.