Carbon Offsetting

What is Carbon Offsetting?

Offsetting is a process based upon the concept of paying someone to not emit CO2 or to store CO2. Essentially payments are made to purchase quantities of avoided CO2 emissions to neutralise or cancel the emitted CO2. This involves purchasing carbon credits or emission reduction credits, which have been generated by projects that have reduced carbon emissions. These projects involve renewable energy, energy efficiency and forest restoration projects. Earthwatch requires that the offset provider show that real reductions in CO2 are being made, are verified, are additional and are not double-counted. 

Earthwatch Australia has partnered with Climate Care to calculate greenhouse gas emissions from our and staff and volunteers' travel. The cost of offsetting is included in our prices so volunteers do not have to offset their own travel. Based on these calculations we then purchase carbon credits from Climate Care to offset these emissions.   Click here to view our latest offset certificate.

How does it work?

For example:

• Mr Smith books himself onto Climate Change in the Rainforest.
• The price paid includes an amount to offset emissions of greenhouse gases produced by his travel to the expedition.
• Earthwatch pays the offset cost to Climate Care.
• Climate Care uses the money to fund projects which reduce CO2.