There was an interesting piece on NPR’s radio program Morning Edition today done by Martin Kaste about consumer “carbon offsets.”  This established business practice in industry allows a company to put out more green house gases by buying some of the unused gas allotment from another company.  Now there is a consumer market for these so if you are feeling guilty about causing global warming by driving your SUV or heating your house you can pay Ford or The Climate Trust or other organizations.  However, you are not buying a carbon offset like industries do.  Rather, your donation will be used to support projects that are environmentally friendly and usually help reduce green house gases, such as buying up old cars or helping with reforestation projects.  The suggested payment is $10/ton of greenhouse gases produced or with Ford $80/year for an SUV.

OK, that’s interesting you say, but what does this have to do with reformed theology and Presbyterianism?  Well, one of the people interviewed in the piece is George Monbiot who likens the new carbon offset business to modern indulgences where you can live as you like, pay your money, and your sins are forgiven.  However, Mr. Monbiot also says that these consumer offsets are doing nothing to reverse global warming because what is needed is massive systemic change right away.  All the offsets do is ease people’s conscience.  You can read more of his view point in an October 18, 2006, article in The Guardian titled “Paying for our Sins” that promotes his new book Heat:  How to stop the planet burning.