Selling indulgences was a catalyst in the Reformation in Europe--- and it may be another catalyst in the move towards the Green New Deal. Environmental advocates have encouraged energy users to buy carbon offsets to represent "an emissions reduction or removal of greenhouse gases...in a manner calculated and traced to offset an entity's GHG emissions." The goal is to reduce emissions or remove and sequester carbon from the atmosphere somewhere by paying someone to plant trees, restore land or produce renewable energy.
But carbon offsets are becoming as controversial as indulgences were in the Medieval Ages. Bill Gates, among others, views carbon offsets as meaningless, as planting trees has a minimal effect on halting global warming since it takes years for trees to reach maturity and absorb enough carbon to make a difference.
On today's show, Dr. Katherine Johnson will illustrate how many carbon offset schemes, although well-intentioned, miss the mark. Join the KJ Show at 11 a.m. Eastern Live on Wednesday (The KJ Show) and share your thoughts by calling 866-451-1451 or send your comments to kjohnson@johnsonconsults.com
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