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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.


Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of carbon offsetting

First recorded in 1990–95


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2025

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.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2024

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

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