Defra: Offsetting 'not a cure for climate change'

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has welcomed the environmental audit committee (EAC) report on carbon offsetting today.

The department claims the report vindicates the government's attempts to regulate the offsetting market.

Today's report, The Voluntary Carbon Offset Market, said offsetting had only "limited" environmental impact, but should be encouraged nonetheless. It also criticised the airline industry for not engaging with the offsetting market.

"We welcome the EAC's report, and we are pleased the committee recognises the value of the government's work on carbon offsetting," a Defra spokesperson said.

In a nod to environmental groups, the department was keen to mention the limits of offsetting. Some environmental groups believe offsetting can be harmful if it leads concerned individuals to believe they have fulfilled their obligations.

"Offsetting is not a cure for climate change," the spokesperson continued.

"The first thing people should do is to avoid emissions wherever possible. But not all emissions will be avoided, and that's where offsetting has a role to play.

"Defra is developing a voluntary Code of Best Practice for carbon offsetting, which aims to ensure consumers can buy offsetting products with confidence, and to drive forward improvements in an emerging industry."