Article content

Talk about throwing money at the problem.

Buying carbon offsets to cover the emissions you create in travelling or heating your home is nothing more than throwing money at a problem in hopes it will go away.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or GUNTER: The futility of carbon offsets Back to video

At best, if you use a reputable offset company, you might – might – succeed in preventing future emissions by erecting a solar panel somewhere in Africa or installing a waterless toilet at a national park in Peru.

But no matter how much money you pay, you will not – cannot – reduce emissions in the real world, today. You’re still flying, driving, turning up the thermostat or the A/C and producing all the emissions that go along with that.

Carbon offsets are like the corrupt medieval practice of buying indulgences from the Catholic church. Donating money in advance to have the local priest or bishop absolve you of sins you intended to commit.

Same thing.

So the futility of offsets – not to mention the preening sanctimony of them – is the top reason I never click “yes” when asked while buying an airline ticket online whether I would also like to purchase an offset to appease my conscience.