As the planet tries to deal with the serious threats posed by air pollutants and greenhouse gases, carbon offset is providing an incentive to encourage governments and organizations to keep carbon emissions within reasonable limits.

The unregulated emission of harmful greenhouse gases is checked by the carbon offset concept, which does so by providing incentive for making use of alternative and green energy, reforestation schemes etc.. The greenhouse gas emission limits for developed and emerging countries are regulated by the Kyoto Protocol, an internationally recognized pact, which was signed in 2005 by most countries of the world.

The Protocol makes it mandatory for commercial entities emitting more than the permitted limit of carbon dioxide to bring down their emissions to prescribed levels, or they must buy carbon credits certificates which can be traded in the market, or alternatively pay a penalty for the emissions, which is referred to as carbon tax. Carbon credits, which came much earlier than carbon offset, are the most popular and economical alternatives for businesses, with one credit permitting the buyer to emit 1000 kilograms of carbon dioxide into the environment. Large companies are becoming a part of the global carbon-neutral campaign and buying carbon credits to impress customers, investors and business partners.

Another innovative instrument, carbon offset, has paved the way for an excellent economic opportunity, especially in the third world countries, as the scheme provides smooth funding for green projects that are designed to help reduce the overall carbon footprint on the planet. It immensely helps in promoting renewable and green energy alternatives like solar energy and wind energy, and in funding projects on nature conservation and reforestation.

Ordinary people are also doing their bit and are buying carbon offset to make the environment less polluted and to generate awareness about environment preservation. Carbon offset can be easily bought online through one of the several providers, but caution must be taken to ensure that your money is channelled to the correct projects.

Carbon offset is a very effective way to protect out planet but we should also keep in mind that making small changes in our daily lives can be of great help in reducing environmental destruction. We should adhere to certain fundamental disciplines like switching off lights and other electronic equipments when not needed, making use of low-energy bulbs and LED lighting, and going for renewable fuels like biodiesel.

Carbon offset is still an alien word for average people. Mass awareness on the issue through widespread education is needed to bring us some steps closer to a pollution free and green planet.

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