Carbon capture is the process of trapping the carbon dioxide at its emission source, transporting it to a storage location (usually deep underground) and isolating it. This has the potential to take excess CO2 straight from the power plant without it entering the atmosphere thus creating greener energy. Factory chimneys can be fitted with solvent filters, trapping the carbon emissions before they escape, the gas can then be piped to locations where it can be used or stored.
CO2 offsetting is the reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere to compensate for emissions made elsewhere. Carbon capture and carbon offsetting schemes allow you to support projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere, compensating for the carbon you have emitted. Total carbon emissions can be calculated by analysing how your activities generate CO2, these emissions can then be offset by a variety of different ways:
Investment in onsite renewable energy or clean energy technology
Planting trees
CO2 capture and storage
Paying money to an offset certifier that offers verified emission reduction (VER) credits
For every tonne of CO2 emitted, there is one tonne less in the atmosphere. CO2 can be offset in this way because one tonne of CO2 has the same climate impact wherever it is emitted.
