Re: A Short History of Energy (in the US)

Daniel,

Whilst I can agree with some of your comments - certainly that efficient low carbon activities & processes should be the primary focus. I am am in favor of carbon anaylsis and offsetting. Offsetting is a good mechanism once emission are efficient and as low as possible.

Comprehensive greenhouse gas analysis can help enable emissions reduction strategies and raise awareness. Indeed people/companies are often ignorant on what are the main contributions to their carbon footprint. People often focus on transport, but carbon footprint is far more extensive. The manufacture of consumables such as paper can often be significant.

Retail of properly certified carbon credits can enable a flow of money to renewable technologies and to maintain forest coverage.

In response to your Summary:
1. No but analysis of a carbon footprint can enable strategies to reduce emissions.
2. Carbon credits can be calculate - a simple mass balance. Ok some arguments over factors and time periods, but nothing is ever perfect.
3. Trees are not the only credit. i.e. Wind farms can also generate credits. But I think it is positive to plant trees.
4. I disagree. It increases peoples awareness and put a price on releasing carbon.
5. I like your point the fact that it not a zero end game, the tree/plant idea would work certainly not work unless you massive surplus electricity to power and manufacture robots to dig holes and collect trees (Only hope is that we discover Nuclear Fusion).

My conclusion, you should be more positive about the carbon offsetting, it is certainly a step forward.

cheers

Stephen