offsetting FAQs

What is offsetting?
Offsetting is balancing out CO₂ emissions by taking action to reduce the overall amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by an equal amount. This can be done either by avoiding the release of CO₂ or other greenhouse gases in the first place, or by removing it from the atmosphere (carbon sequestration). Approximately the same quantity of emissions as those released by your flight is neutralised through one of ClimateCare's projects. This is done by selling ‘offsets' to you.

How do ClimateCare's projects ‘offset' the CO₂ emitted?
ClimateCare's projects avoid, reduce or absorb greenhouse gases through:

• Renewable Energy - cutting out fossil fuels
• Energy Efficiency - using less energy

You can find out more information about the projects that ClimateCare funds by following the project links on the right.

Does Climate Care use tree planting to offset?
Planting trees cannot be seen as a solution to climate change when taken in isolation. Climate change needs to be addressed by reducing emissions through developing renewable fuel sources or boosting efficiency, rather than by focusing on sequestration.

Climate Care FAQs

Who is Climate Care?
ClimateCare is a business unit of JPMorgan, selling CO₂ reductions and funding projects around the world that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The reductions made balance clients' emissions.

Is ClimateCare a charity?
No. ClimateCare does not believe it should be left to the charitable sector to clear up pollution. In addition to this, ClimateCare have now been acquired by JPMorgan, the leading investment bank.

Would the projects have happened anyway?
ClimateCare is very careful only to fund projects that would not have happened without their support. In technical language , they are "additional".

How can I be sure that ClimateCare's projects are making the CO₂ reductions that they claim?
ClimateCare ensures that the projects achieve the CO₂ emissions that they claim, meeting three criteria for each project, these are:

• that a third party report be obtained
• that the CO₂ reductions be monitored on an ongoing basis
• that any shortfall is made up in other projects

What about projects in the UK?
It is very difficult to do projects in the UK that are not helping the government to reach the emissions reductions targets it has committed to make under the Kyoto Protocol (the international agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions). Most of ClimateCare's projects are therefore in the developing world.

Where does the data for this calculator come from?
The calculation for the volume of CO₂ produced on your flight is based on Monarch's actual operating performance rather than an industry average. It takes account of the fuel consumed, the relative efficiency of the aircraft and the number of passengers carried. Monarch has ensured that its operating procedures, as far as possible, minimise environmental impact.

air travel FAQs

When I fly, am I contributing to climate change?
Yes. Aircraft operations generate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, a direct greenhouse gas, and other effects in the atmosphere for which there is less scientific understanding, linked to ozone generation, methane reduction and cirrus cloud formation.

Am I offsetting emissions for the whole plane?
No. You are just paying for your share. CO₂ emissions per person are estimated by dividing the total fuel used on a journey by the number of passengers.

When flying from the UK I pay a departure tax, so why should I pay ClimateCare?
Air Passenger Duty is a passenger tax levied by the Government on all departures from the UK and generates almost £1 billion annually. However, the money isn't spent directly on mitigating the greenhouse gas emissions from your flight, whereas your payment to ClimateCare is.

Will I get anything from ClimateCare?
Yes, they will send you a certificate by email, within 7 days of your purchase, saying how much you have offset. Your name will not be added to any other mailing list and your details will not be passed on to any third parties.