subject: Greenhouse Effect and Carbon Offsetting – An overview [print this page] Greenhouse Effect and Carbon Offsetting An overview
In layman terms, greenhouse effect is the rebound of the radiative energy (in the form of thermal energy) in all directions, in the atmosphere. In fact, this energy is redirected in all directions, but it is of utmost importance to regulate it back in the atmosphere; this is done so that balance can be brought about in humans and nature. A very important aspect of this whole process are the green house gases water vapor (36-70%), carbon dioxide (9-26%), methane (4-9%), ozone (3-7%). These gases, also known as the atmospheric gases are basically responsible for trapping the thermal energy.
We see the greenhouse mechanism everyday when our cars get heated up in the sun, in the nurseries with shades etc. the energy which is trapped back in these surfaces is indeed great for its respective processes; but when it comes to the atmosphere, it is a different thing altogether. Like the saying goes, excess of everything is bad, in the same way; the excess of the greenhouse gases (resulting in excessive radiative energy) is bad for the natural heath of the flora, fauna as well as Homo sapiens.
With the progress of mankind, discovery of fuel, deforestation, agricultural practices resulting in the emission of atmospheric methane, extensive use of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) industrialization etc, carbon dioxide has only kept increasing in the atmosphere; and as compared to other gases, the increase in the level of carbon dioxide is the most alarming because it absorbs the most of the radiative energy.
Many measures have been taken worldwide to take initiatives to conserve energy and indirectly prevent global warming created by the greenhouse effect. There are alternate methods of utilizing energy such as solar energy, wind energy etc which are of course very expensive, but a cheaper way to use them must be found as soon as possible. Another way to contribute our bit is through the carbon offset'.
Carbon offset is simply an effort to reduce the emission of carbon or other greenhouse gases so that this reduction is compensated for an atmospheric gases' emission elsewhere. These are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e). One carbon offset is equivalent to the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or the other greenhouse gases.
These are achieved by supporting the alternative or renewable energy plants or equipments. Here the support means a financial support. Due to the Corporate Social Responsibility measures growing throughout the world, Business carbon offsets have become a major way of contribution.
