Carbon Removal vs. Carbon Offsetting: What’s the Difference?
If you've been hearing a lot about climate change lately, you've probably come across the terms “carbon removal” and “carbon offsetting.” They might sound similar, but they’re actually quite different. And if you're trying to do your part for the planet, it helps to know what each one really means.
At a basic level, both carbon removal and carbon offsetting deal with the same problem: too much carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere. This carbon pollution is heating up our planet and causing all sorts of problems, from rising sea levels to extreme weather. The big question is how we can balance out the carbon we produce. That’s where these two ideas come in.
Let’s start with carbon offsetting. This usually means paying someone else to reduce or avoid carbon emissions on your behalf. For example, when you buy a flight and want to “offset” the emissions, your money might go to a project that plants trees or builds wind turbines. These projects help prevent future emissions, which is great — but they don't remove the carbon that already exists in the air.
Carbon removal is different. Instead of preventing new emissions, it actually takes existing CO₂ out of the air and stores it away. This can happen through natural ways, like planting forests or restoring wetlands, or through technology like machines that capture and store carbon underground. This process is often slower and can be more expensive, but it directly reduces the amount of CO₂ already in the atmosphere.
So which one is better? It depends on the goal. If you're looking to balance out current emissions, offsetting can help. If the aim is to fix the mess we've already made, removal is an important part of the solution.
It’s also worth noting that some groups, like https://planet-positive.org/, are helping people understand these differences and make better choices for the environment.
In the end, both carbon offsetting and carbon removal have a place. But it’s good to be clear about what each one does. By knowing the difference, we can all make more informed decisions — whether it's choosing the right programs to support or having better conversations about climate action. Every step counts.