Collins dictionary defines the word "offset" like this:
If one thing is offset by another, the effect of the first thing is reduced by the second, so that any advantage or disadvantage is cancelled out.
Carbon offsets don't do that, at least not as well as buyers of offsets would hope.
Offsets mask the effects of the polluting activity, using numbers, making the buyer believe the offsets they've just purchased have somehow dealt with the emissions they've just created.
For a real life example, next time you buy an airline ticket, choose the "offset my flight" option, and let me know if you believe the ~$2 you paid actually did cancel out those jet fuel emissions.
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