How Much Do Carbon Credits Cost?

Marcus — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Looking to purchase some carbon credits, but trying to shop around for the best deal? Well, unfortunately, determining carbon credit prices is a pretty complicated business. There is no one set market rate for individual carbon purchases, and prices tend to fluctuate based on a variety of factors. The type of offset being sold, whether or not the selling organization is non-profit, the level of offset certification included in the purchase, the type of project the purchased offsets will benefit, where the offsets come from, and the market demand for carbon credits are all taken into consideration before cost is determined.

Because carbon trading is a relatively new concept with so many potential variables, the buying process has yet to become streamlined. So, for your convenience, here are some helpful links to assist in your search for a good, honest, environmentally friendly carbon purchase:

EcoBusinessLinks.com

This site features an extremely helpful chart that offers a rundown on the leading carbon offset providers, including cost, project type, offset type, and method of certification. It’s a great place to begin your search.

This Wikipedia entry on carbon credits provides some useful background, from the origin of carbon trading in the Kyoto Protocol to the current economic climate in which credits are bought and sold.

SaveThePlanet.co.nz

This site offers an in-depth analysis of carbon credits and how they are incorporated into the global economy.

ClimateCrisis.net

Before buying carbon credits, calculate your impact with this carbon calculator on Al Gore’s site. It’ll give you a good ballpark idea of just how many credits you’ll want to purchase.

Want to learn more about carbon credits?

How to Measure and Price Carbon Credits

Selling Carbon Credits on eBay—Solution or Scam?

Carbon Footprints

The Quest for the Perfect Carbon Calculator

Keeping CAFOs Honest About Emissions

scleaver — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:00:00 -0400

The Ethicurean reported yesterday on the dangers of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). After some grisly stories about the dangers of working around huge animal farms—namely toxic, even deadly, manure fumes—blogger Elanor discusses the danger that CAFOs pose to humans. Painting the full picture: “Across the country, CAFOs generate over 500 million tons of manure each year, three times more than all U.S. human residents.” All that manure produces gas that harms the workers and neighbors, in ways that I’d never read before: CAFO workers and people living nearby who breathe the gases wafting downwind suffer from respiratory problems, memory loss, nervous system impairment, mood disorders, and death. Here’s what Washington has had to say about this issue: In 2005, Senator Craig (R-ID) wanted to exempt CAFOs from air emissions reporting requirements (the bill failed).In 2006, Reps. Blount (R-MO) and Hall (R-TX) wanted to “exempt manure from being considered a ‘hazardous substance’” (their bill also failed).Tomorrow, March 27, 2008 the EPA has proposed changes to air emissions rules from CAFOs that bring back Craig’s 2005 proposal (and bypasses the legislative branch). Protest at This Web Site or, if you want to learn more before taking action, read the full Ethicurean blog post Smells Like a Free Ride for more information and a primer on how to leave comments for our dear EPA as they go into making this decision. It’s not a pretty picture (or a pleasant smelling one) but you can help to change it!Photo Credit: The Ethicurean