(UK) MPs support carbon offset schemes - BBC

[Eugene]

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Sunday, 22 July 2007, 23:01 GMT 00:01 UK

MPs support carbon offset schemes

People should be encouraged and offered help to use schemes
that offset their carbon emissions, MPs have said.

The environmental audit committee acknowledged that some
schemes were "less than robust", but the benefits of cutting
emissions were worth pursuing.

Recently, critics said some projects were failing to deliver
on promises.

The MPs did, however, express disappointment at the
"unsatisfactory" efforts made by airlines to help passengers
offset emissions.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6908717.stm

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Source: Reuters

Carbon offsetting needs code of practice: UK report
Mon Jul 23, 2007 3:19AM EDT

By Gerard Wynn

LONDON (Reuters) - Carbon offsetting has a role to play in
fighting climate change but urgently needs a code of practice,
an environment committee of British parliamentarians said on
Monday.

Voluntary offsetting involves individuals and companies paying
others to cut greenhouse gas emissions on their behalf. It is
unregulated, and so distinct from a mandatory international
scheme under the Kyoto Protocol.

"Without transparency, consumers will have little confidence in
purchasing or otherwise dealing in offsets," the report by the
House of Commons Environment Audit Committee said.

-snip-

Illustrating the need for standards, the report cited one
voluntary offset project where lack of water killed plants
which had been intended to absorb carbon dioxide and offset
greenhouse gas emissions from concerts by the British rock
band Coldplay.

Another concern is that offsetting delays more fundamental
efforts by companies and individuals to cut their own
greenhouse gas emissions.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSL2066246620070723

[razzleberry]

1. correct headline would be --> MPs profit from offset schemes

follow the money