I recently researched carbon offsets for a client, which are an innovative solution to reducing global warming through a trading system. As an individual, you can invest in these credits to mitigate your carbon footprint. Large companies, governments and other institutions also buy and sell these with the theory that it will ultimately help reduce emissions. 

 

Funds generated from carbon offsets typically invest in projects like wind power, solar power, reforestation, methane collection and energy efficiency.  While all of these are important strategies to reduce our carbon footprint, I can’t help but wonder why the transportation sector isn’t more prominent on this list, especially given the fact that such a large percentage of carbon emissions originate from cars and trucks. 

 

If I had several billion dollars worth of carbon offsets credits to invest, I’d support institutions like Bikestation (one of my clients), which has a proven track record of reducing emissions by facilitating the connection between bicycling and public transit. I’d invest in clean burning diesel trucks going to and from the Port of Los Angeles. I’d support car and bike sharing programs that give people the flexibility of having the option to drive without having to own a car, or the option of borrowing a bike in the city. With the money left over, I’d invest in light rail, street cars, clean busses and bicycle boulevards.   By investing in these and other transportation alternatives, we could dramatically reduce carbon emissions while simultaneously improving air quality.  Sounds good to me!