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

Co-author Srinivasan Keshav, Robert Sansom Professor of Computer Science at Cambridge added: "Our new approach has the potential to address market concerns around nature-based solutions to carbon offsetting, and lead to desperately needed investment."

From Science Daily • Oct. 30, 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

Such measures aim to stop putting more nutrients, like phosphate, into rivers - similar to carbon offsetting.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2022