carbon offsetting

[kahr-buhn awf-set-ing, of‐]

noun

1. (in a cap-and-trade system) a reduction by an organization or country of its carbon dioxide emissions and other atmospheric pollutants that compensates for an equivalent amount of excess emissions by another organization or country.

   Carbon offsetting does not always have a quantifiable impact on the planet.

Other Word Forms

• carbon offset noun
• carbon offsetter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of carbon offsetting¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

The researchers said their findings should not suggest afforestation and carbon offsetting are futile.

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Naef said carbon offsetting remains an important tool but cannot be used to compensate for all emissions.

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So another part of the Jet Zero strategy involves a pricing scheme to charge airlines for CO2 emissions and carbon offsetting.

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But carbon offsetting means paying another fee.

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This year’s event is hoping to set a new world record for carbon offsetting in rallying, with an expected 200,000kg CO2e being positively offset.

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