Carbon offsetting 'is a smokescreen'

A leading environmental charity has claimed the practice of carbon offsetting does not help the overall problem of climate change.

Describing offsetting as a "smokescreen", Friends Of the Earth (FOE) said the practice has help countries make the transition to adopting a low-carbon economy, but added that it is not a large enough measure on its own.

A spokesperson for FOE also explained that using offsetting could encourage individuals and businesses to continue with activities which cause pollution as they may believe this is enough to make a difference – although they will not be cutting their overall carbon emissions.

The representative added: "It distracts attention from the wider, systemic changes and political action that need to be taken in the transition to a low-carbon economy."

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association said: “Carbon offsetting is never an alternative to reducing emissions and should not be considered a licence to pollute, but chosen well they can be of benefit. The projects funded by the ETA are permanent and would not happen if we did not fund them.”

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, offsetting can provide benefits even though it does not result in a reduction in emissions.

The government body claims it creates more awareness of carbon emissions and provides a way to invest in the development of clean technologies.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is a not-for-profit ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products. As well as encouraging responsible driving to reduce carbon, the ETA campaigns for sustainable transport.