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I'd like to hear HNs opinions on carbon offsetting. Do any of you regularly purchase offsets voluntarily? If not, what would it take to convince you that offset

I'd like to hear HNs opinions on carbon offsetting. Do any of you regularly purchase offsets voluntarily? If not, what would it take to convince you that offsetting your flights, vacation, or monthly lifestyle is a worthwhile expense? Recently there was an article that topped both HN and Reddit, saying something like "planting 1T trees could be a cheap solution to climate change". It seemed like people at found the idea attractive, for whatever reason. Yet I've hardly ever seen any mention of offsetting... a big segment of the voluntary offset market is certified forest restoration and protection. Would love to hear more opinions on this. Disclosure-- I am working on launching a company that aims to drive the purchase of offsets.

ForHackernews 7y ago
I buy carbon offsets, because it helps me feel better about the fact that I believe we are doomed. At least it won't be (as much) my fault personally. This article has been [flagged] for "sensationalism", apparently. The situation is extremely dire, and getting worse, but people don't want to hear it. They want a quick fix geoengineering, or magic nuclear (about 30 years too late for that, guys), or just to bury their heads in the sand and assume it won't be that bad.
- brendanmc6 7y ago
  I agree. I have seen enough HN climate discussions to say that a "tech will save us" mindset is quite common around here. Where do you buy your offsets from? Any problems or complaints about your offsetting "experience" so far? I'm trying to come up with creative ways to add value and make it a more attractive investment for people.
  - ForHackernews 7y ago
    I got them here https://www.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissions https://www.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissio... I think because some research I did a while back led me to consider that site reputable and not just greenwashing. I think the biggest thing you could do would be to bundle them in automatically to the purchase of things like airline tickets or gasoline, and make them opt-out, not opt-in. Imagine if when you booked a flight, the last page said "The price of your ticket includes $15 to help stave off environmental disaster. Click here to kill adorable baby penguins and save fifteen bucks."

ForHackernews 7y ago

I buy carbon offsets, because it helps me feel better about the fact that I believe we are doomed. At least it won't be (as much) my fault personally. This article has been [flagged] for "sensationalism", apparently. The situation is extremely dire, and getting worse, but people don't want to hear it. They want a quick fix geoengineering, or magic nuclear (about 30 years too late for that, guys), or just to bury their heads in the sand and assume it won't be that bad.

brendanmc6 7y ago
I agree. I have seen enough HN climate discussions to say that a "tech will save us" mindset is quite common around here. Where do you buy your offsets from? Any problems or complaints about your offsetting "experience" so far? I'm trying to come up with creative ways to add value and make it a more attractive investment for people.
- ForHackernews 7y ago
  I got them here https://www.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissions https://www.goldstandard.org/take-action/offset-your-emissio... I think because some research I did a while back led me to consider that site reputable and not just greenwashing. I think the biggest thing you could do would be to bundle them in automatically to the purchase of things like airline tickets or gasoline, and make them opt-out, not opt-in. Imagine if when you booked a flight, the last page said "The price of your ticket includes $15 to help stave off environmental disaster. Click here to kill adorable baby penguins and save fifteen bucks."