Airline passengers don't understand how carbon offset programs work, and even if they did, most of them aren't about to pony up the money to buy one because they don't think curbing greenhouse gas emissions is their responsibility.
The Omega Carbon Offset Project, a study by Britain's Manchester Metropolitan University, found that although most air travelers had heard of carbon offset programs, less than 10 percent of them had invested in one to mitigate the C02 emitted by their flights. Many of those who were aware of carbon offsetting program like TerraPass expressed skepticism about their efficacy and just what they spend their money on.
"Unfortunately, customer uptake of offset services for aviation has been low and questions have been raised over the accuracy of carbon calculators and the efficacy of emissions saving projects," the study says.
Part of the problem is that offset costs vary widely based on which calculator you're using to figure them out. They're all different, which makes people wonder what's what.
We did some research of our own to see what it would cost to offset the emissions of a one-way flight from London to Helsinki, using three popular carbon calculators.
According to TerraPass, the trip generates 872 pounds of CO2 that cost $4.95 to offset. Carbon Planet puts the figure at 1,322 pounds and says the offset would cost $22.12. Finnair, which has its own emissions calculator but doesn't offer an offset program, says the flight generates 330 pounds of CO2.
Who's right? Who knows? With disparities like these, it's no wonder that consumers doubt not just the efficacy, but the legitimacy of carbon offset programs. With no standards, there's no credibility.
Inconsistency in pricing isn't the only problem, and may in fact be the least of the problems. More than 90 percent of the 487 passengers surveyed said they shouldn't be held responsible for doing anything about the C02 generated by their flights. That job, they said, rests with the airlines and the government.
If that's the case, it doesn't really matter what the calculators say.
*Photo by Flickr user BuhSnarf.
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