What do carbon offsets primarily help to reduce?

Carbon offsets primarily help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are tradable credits that represent a reduction or removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. When an individual or organization purchases carbon offsets, they are essentially investing in projects that either prevent emissions from occurring or enhance carbon sequestration, such as reforestation, renewable energy, or energy efficiency initiatives.

The focus of carbon offsets is primarily on capturing and mitigating the impacts of climate change by addressing sources of greenhouse gases. This is essential because these emissions contribute significantly to global warming and its associated impacts. While other options like waste production, water usage, and energy costs are important environmental issues, they do not directly align with the fundamental purpose of carbon offsets, which is specifically aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, investing in carbon offsets is a strategy to engage in meaningful action against climate change.