I will purchase carbon offsets for tons of CO2 at a cost of
dollars per metric ton of CO2.
Assumptions
Offsets assumed to be "additional", or reducing greenhouse gas emissions that would not otherwise be reduced without the purchase of carbon offsets. Examples include projects that would not be profitable, and therefore not undertaken, without the additional funds provided by carbon offsets.
More Information/Resources
Cross Boundaries: The act of reducing or avoiding GHG emissions in one place can "offset" GHG emissions occurring somewhere else. Offsets can go toward projects such as financing a wind turbine in Asia, a solar roof-top in Africa or a reforestation program in South America.
Ripple Effect: In addition to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions, carbon offset projects may also have additional co-benefits, such as increasing economic and social development, encouraging more sustainable technologies and providing additional environmental benefits, such as improving water quality and other ecological services in forests.