Carbon offsets are a way to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing credits from projects that reduce emissions elsewhere. They can be used to offset the environmental impact of activities that use fossil fuels, like air travel. Here are some examples of carbon offset projects: Forest conservation: Protecting forests, wetlands, and grasslands Land management: Paying property owners to preserve, replant, or delay development of their land Renewable energy: Building renewable energy sources Landfill management: Reducing emissions from landfills and capturing methane gas to generate electricity When buying carbon offsets, it's important to consider the following: Offset standards Look for offsets that meet recognized standards, like the Gold Standard, which is considered the highest global standard. Project type Support projects that wouldn't have happened without the extra funding from offset sales. Government policy If emissions reductions are required by government policy in a particular sector, a project to reduce them should not count as an offset. One place to buy carbon offsets is the UN Carbon Offset Platform, which offers a carbon footprint calculator and displays UNFCCC-certified climate friendly projects.

Additionality: Whether a carbon offset project is truly reducing emissions beyond what would have happened without the project. Permanence: The likelihood that the emissions reductions achieved by a carbon offset project will be sustained over time. Transparency: The level of information available about carbon offset projects, including their methodology and verification process, to prevent double counting.

Integrity and Standardization: Without clear standards for carbon credits, it can be difficult to assess the legitimacy of emission reductions being traded, leading to concerns about "low-quality" credits. Transparency and Verification: Ensuring accurate measurement and verification of carbon projects is crucial to prevent double-counting and fraudulent activities. Additionality: A key concern is whether carbon offset projects would have happened anyway without the carbon market, meaning they are not truly "additional" emission reductions. Market Manipulation ("Gaming"): Companies might engage in strategies to exploit loopholes in the system and artificially inflate their carbon credits. Emissions Leakage: If a company reduces emissions in one location but simply increases them elsewhere due to cheaper costs, the carbon market is not achieving its intended goal. Equity and Accessibility: Concerns exist about whether carbon markets adequately address the needs of developing countries and vulnerable populations. Price Volatility: Fluctuations in carbon prices can create uncertainty for businesses planning investments in low-carbon technologies. Regulatory Framework: A robust regulatory framework is needed to ensure the carbon market functions effectively and addresses potential issues.

SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel at levels between 10% and 50%, depending on the feedstock and production method. SAF is fully compatible with modern aircraft and can be directly blended into existing fuel infrastructure at airports. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) defines SAF as a fuel that reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel