With “green” being the new “health care,” do you think Harper will go for it?

According to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6225677.stm),

“Norway has announced plans to offset the greenhouse gases produced by public employees when they fly abroad by buying emissions credits. The move, which is intended to fight global warming, was announced by Norway’s prime minister. He said the scheme was thought to be the most ambitious of its kind in the world and hoped others would follow. Under the scheme the government will buy credits to be invested in projects which reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

David Suzuki Foundation notes (http://www.davidsuzuki.org/Climate_Change/What_You_Can_Do/carbon_offsets.asp ) that:

A “carbon offset” is an emission reduction credit from another organization’s project that results in less carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere than would otherwise occur. Carbon offsets are typically measured in tons of CO2-equivalents (or ‘CO2e’) and are bought and sold through a number of international brokers, online retailers, and trading platforms.

For all you new climateers, we must tell you that you don’t need to be a Norwegian Public Employee to offset your emissions. You can neutralize your carbon outputs by purchasing credits online. There are many organizations that can facilitate this process, with a simple click of the mouse and a few hits to the old credit card. It goes without saying (but just incase you forget) be sure to do your research and find an organization that you trust.

Here are just a few links:

http://www.carbonneutral.com/shop/

http://www.climatecare.co.uk/

NOW. . . just because you can pay to neutralize your emissions, does not give you free rein to drive around recklessly in an SUV or drying your laundry, 1 t-shirt at a time. No, I see carbon offsetting as a way of helping to limit emissions that are created by necessity (i.e., business trips (where teleconferencing was not feasible), trips to Kenya to lobby governments at COP12, etc.).

SO to all you happy climateers, it looks like the political climate is warming up to climate change, even though in Canada we continue to move at a glacial pace.

Finally, looking for that perfect gift for the hard to buy for person in your life . . . buy them carbon credits . . . or get them a bike.

About Jessica

I have a confession to make. . . I am a food-a-holic. I love food and revels in all of its attendant processes. I came to food research and activism through a melding of environmental and human rights concerns. I have spent the last few years undertaking social research on various aspects of the Canadian food system from both a farming and policy perspective. The goal of my activities is to support the creation of a just and sustainable food system and society. Since my return to British Columbia in 2004, I have been an active member of the BC Food Systems Network (www.fooddemocracy.org) and I am currently sitting on its Board of Directors. I also coordinate the Community Outreach Team of FarmFolk/CityFolk (www.ffcf.bc.ca). I try to always be mindful of the need for integrated approaches to research and activism . This awareness led to me to examine the impact of environmental and climate change on food systems, and to seek community-based solutions to addressing these problems. In my "spare time," I work on my MA thesis at the University of Victoria which examines the relationship between egg marketing and inspection systems and small-scale producers in British Columbia. I am committed to sharing my passion for healthy lifestyles, healthy communities, community engagement and youth empowerment (and sushi). My areas of interest include: Agriculture & Food Security; Citizenship & Belonging; Climate Change; Fair Trade; Intellectual Property; Labour Rights; Literacy and; Neocolonialism & Imperialism

3 Responses to “With “green” being the new “health care,” do you think Harper will go for it?”

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1 Virginia Simpson Jan 6th, 2007 at 2:02 pm

There are many kinds of carbon credits.We offset emissions by waste-to-energy projects to solve two environmental problems at once.We use carbon credits as a first step in a program of education,action and outreach. A visit to http://www.acesprogram.com will introduce you to our approach.
2 Heather Flanagan Jan 6th, 2007 at 3:28 pm

Here is a quirky video about global warming I thought you might find interesting:

http://peoplegeek.wordpress.com/2007/01/06/global-warming-a-clear-and-present-danger/
3 Julia Clark Jan 9th, 2007 at 5:45 pm

Solving multiple problems at once is the way to go Virginia! We offer credits with a dual purpose as well. Ecorestoration offsets are a great way to finance the restoration of damaged habitats and food webs, while sequestering CO2. http://www.planktos.com has more information