carbon offsetting

American  

[kahr-buhn awf-set-ing, of‐] / ˈkɑr bən ˈɔfˌsɛt ɪŋ, ˈɒf‐ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• carbon offset
  noun
• carbon offsetter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of carbon offsetting

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2025

This can be for wood, fuel, food -- or even carbon offsetting.

From Science Daily • Dec. 21, 2023

Ksi Lisims, proposed as a 12-MTPA plant, will achieve net-zero through a fully electrified facility that utilizes renewable hydro power and carbon offsetting, spokesperson Rebecca Scott said.

From Reuters • Mar. 17, 2023

Bhutan's government says that the fee supports sustainable tourism development and training, as well as carbon offsetting.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2022

Some argue that in sectors like air travel, where there aren't any realistic "green" alternatives, carbon offsetting can play a role in mitigating the effects of climate change.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2022