What is a carbon offset?

A carbon offset refers to a specific reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is made to balance out or compensate for emissions produced elsewhere. This concept is essential in the fight against climate change and aims to achieve carbon neutrality. For example, if an individual or company emits a certain amount of carbon dioxide through their activities, they can invest in projects that reduce emissions by an equivalent amount, such as reforestation, renewable energy projects, or energy efficiency improvements. Therefore, purchasing carbon offsets effectively compensates for the emissions generated, contributing to a global decrease in overall greenhouse gases.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of carbon offsets. Specifically, an increase in greenhouse gas emissions describes the opposite of what carbon offsets aim to accomplish, while a financial investment in fossil fuel production does not align with the goals of reducing emissions. Lastly, while measuring a carbon footprint is essential for understanding overall environmental impact, it does not equate to taking action through offsets to mitigate those emissions.