Whether as an individual, organization or company, we can all play our part in combating climate change by reducing our carbon footprint. Actions we can take include:

1. Reducing the use of energy as much as possible;
2. Substituting carbon intensive energy with low carbon or non-carbon emitting energy as much as possible, e.g. by installing renewable energy technology in your building or purchasing renewable energy certificates; and
3. Offsetting the unavoidable or remaining carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits generated by carbon reduction projects located anywhere in the world.

Taking the last additional step to offset unavoidable or remaining emissions, after undertaking the first two steps of reduction and substitution as much as possible, can further demonstrate your commitment towards climate change and also help raise awareness of the potential price on carbon.

One of the challenges of renewable electricity is where it can be created most efficiently and effectively may not be where the demand is. Another challenge is that sometimes the amount needed may not be commensurate with the amount of land available in addition to the renewable resources required, particularly in urban, commercial and industrial areas. Purchasing carbon credits is a way of contributing to the development of renewable energy where it can be more efficient and effective elsewhere in the world.