2nd June: Offsetting responsibility2 June 2009
UN Climate talks in Bonn today have started on the issue of offsetting.
Offsetting is a tool used by countries to help reach their carbon dioxide emissions targets.
But instead of cutting their own emissions, offsetting means they can pay for developing countries to cut their emissions instead.
Rich countries promote such schemes because it makes it cheaper than making cuts at home.
But in practice offsetting is not leading to global emissions reductions. Instead it simply leads to dodgy carbon accounting.
Friends of the Earth's new report finds that offsetting:
- Can't guarantee emissions reductions
- Is causing major delays to vital low carbon development
- Doesn't achieve sustainable development in developing countries
A dangerous distraction
Friends of the Earth released it's new report at a press conference today at the UN climate talks. It finds that offsetting is:
- Profoundly unjust
- Fundamentally flawed
- Cannot be reformed
What changes are needed?
Instead of offsetting we must promote real action on climate change and additional support abroad.
We're calling for:
- Developed countries
to reduce emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 - Proposals to expand offsetting
rejected and existing offset schemes scrapped - New funds and technology
provided for the global fight against climate change
Scientific backing
The UK's Climate Change Committee says offsetting should not be used to meet UK climate targets.
The science is also clear that offsetting will not work if we want to avoid dangerous climate change.
Worrying signs
But the UK is actually pushing for more offsetting in the climate talks instead of promising more real action.
Friends of the Earth is in Bonn to expose these offsetting proposals and promoting real solutions.
For detailed information on offsetting, please see our new report - A Dangerous Distraction.
© Friends of the Earth
