We are all polluters you know!
Some people are starting to do something about this – they buy climate quotas to offset the pollution they are causing. Their money is invested in projects of many kinds that improve the emission situation in the world: new sustainable energy schemes, energy intensity improvements or research into new green technology.
Flying is seen to be the most emissive way of moving about. For a family of four a flight from southern Norway to Bangkok has emissions similar to 10 medium cars for a whole year. Airlines are now busy offering quotas that passengers can buy before flying. Sales are so far slack and prices vary widely, some say inconsistently.
There are many companies and even state agencies offering quotas: German Atmosfair/Germanwatch, Australian Climate Friendly, Norwegian Mitt Klima, Greenseat, Norwegian State Pollution Agency….
Many companies are offering projects to invest in: The Carbon Neutral Company, My Climate….
There are also web-sites offering tools where you can calculate your household emissions so that you know how much to buy. The results vary, so do take care not to buy too much.
This system is clearly in its infancy and much has to be clarified: Emission numbers used, should this continue to be voluntary or compulsory, certification of companies, UN project confirmation, transparency, tracking of projects.
Yes, it is a start and we will surely hear more about these practices.