Brighter Planet

What’s the future of carbon offsets?

We need a low-carbon economy based on renewable energy in order to stop causing climate change and have a truly sustainable society. Once we all use clean and renewable energy, we won’t need the concept of carbon offsets any more, but that time is a long way off, and we have a long way to go. Brighter Planet members bring us closer to this sustainable clean energy future every time they use our products.

What’s the difference between “voluntary” and “mandatory” carbon markets?

“Mandatory” carbon markets refer to countries that signed the Kyoto Protocol. Under the Kyoto Protocol, emitters of carbon are required to reduce their emissions by certain amounts and/or purchase certified credits to make up for it. This is an implementation of the “cap-and-trade” system.

The United States did not sign the Kyoto Protocol, and in the absence of both an international or national regulated carbon market a “voluntary” carbon market has developed. In this market, emitters of carbon may purchase offsets, which may be verified by third parties. Voluntary and mandatory carbon markets can exist simultaneously as is presently the case in the European Union.