"Carbon offsetting is good, but you must understand that it is only one part of other environmental efforts," emphasises Jens Olejak, Managing Director Sweden & Director Sustainable Energy at South Pole Group, speaking to Metro Sweden. "It is not credible to be an 'environmental villain' and then just do carbon offsetting."
The frequently used argument by skeptics comparing carbon offsetting synonymously with "buying good conscience" is not a new one to Jens Olejak. "This misconception is often linked to the fact that people have not done much research into the background of carbon offsetting. They have heard the word but are not quite sure about the concept and how it works in practice. Therefore, I see myself as a sort of ambassador for the solution - I want to respond to any doubtful voices and explain what it actually means."
Carbon offsetting does not have an impact in the short term or translate into visible changes in our immediate environment. Offset projects are usually located in developing countries where the means to curb emissions need to be further developed. Buying carbon credits makes it possible to offset our ecological footprint through carbon mitigation projects elsewhere.
"Carbon offsetting is obviously not the only solution and the ultimate means to fight climate change. It is only one part of the efforts that needs to be done. The companies that turn to us for offsetting often combine it with their other environmental engagement. It is not about driving around in a fuel-gobbling SUV during the day and making up for it at night!"
For Jens, there is also a moral aspect of taking action. Companies that are offsetting and are truly interested in climate action cannot simply engage and offset in other parts of the world - they also need to make sure to do their own environmental housekeeping.
"Carbon offsetting helps finance the expensive technology without which developing countries would not have been able to implement offset projects in the first place. The projects also bring along valuable co-benefits such as increased knowledge and jobs for the community involved," he says.
"Climate change is a global problem. The important thing is not where we are making the effort, but that we actually take action in the first place. The beauty of this solution is that it enables climate action in places where we can make a big difference - a solution by which everyone wins."
Download Jens' full interview below (in Swedish)
