 It
is inevitable that individuals, organizations, and corporations
will emit CO2 and other gases into the atmosphere. For years
environmentalists have worked to convince us of the realities
of global warming. Now that we realize reduction of our carbon
emissions is the only solution, it’s time to take
action.
Various pollution-controlling devices can be installed that
will cut emissions significantly. Generally companies are
unwilling to spend money on emission-reducing technologies
without a direct financial reward. However, if it becomes
financially beneficial for a company to cut emissions then
we may finally see some progress.
You can help this planet by retiring
CO2 credits and become a carbon-neutral individual
or organization.
The Chicago
Climate Exchange® (CCX®) is
a voluntary trading pilot program. The members of this
Exchange have made a voluntary, legally binding
commitment to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases
by four percent (4%) below the average of the 1998-2001
baseline by 2006 (the baseline is the annual average of
emissions from facilities during the years 1998-2001).
After their baseline has been established and verified,
they are given credits corresponding to a given set of
years. Each year the companies are audited and the members
must turn-in credits depending on their emissions. If they
under pollute, they are rewarded by being able to sell
their credits on the open market. However if they over
pollute, they must buy credits on the market. Thus, under
polluting companies are financially rewarded and over polluting
companies are financially punished.
Here is where you come in. By buying
and retiring credits, you do a number of things.
- Cost to pollute increase as available supply decreases
- Increased participation encourages others to join
- Send a message to big polluters and politicians that
you support environmentally-focused companies
- Allow for new green-projects and green-technologies
to emerge
Make a difference … Become carbon-neutral.
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