Confusion over carbon offsets for flights

from Sunday Herald, 25 February 2007

Huge discrepancies in the prices charged by companies to offset the pollution caused by air travel have been uncovered in a survey by Friends of the Earth Scotland.

Quotes from nine companies for offsetting the emissions of a return flight from Glasgow to Orlando, Florida, varied from £13.50 to £60. "This shows the urgent need for tough regulation," said the environmental group's Duncan McLaren.

THE COST OF A RETURN FLIGHT FROM GLASGOW TO FLORIDA

company / tonnes of carbon dioxide / cost to offset

MyClimate (business) / 3.75 / £60
Atmosfair / 4.36 / £59
MyClimate (economy) / 2.5 / £40
Carbon Counter / 3.28 / £20
Carbon Balanced / 1.46 / £14.25
Carbon Zero / 1.46 / £14.11
CO2 Balance / 1.46 / £14
The CarbonNeutral Company /1.5 / £10.65-£13.98
Climate Care / 1.85 / £13.88
Carbon Clear / 1.46 / £13.50