Why is it ok to burn a lot of fossil fuel and then claim a pollution offset?

Question

If celebrities can pollute by flying private jets, why is that OK?
They can walk and ride bikes like they want the rest of to. Are all pigs equal, but more some pigs more equal than others.
Aren't carbon ofsets just a way to pollute and live the same lifestyle--still polluting as much as before-- but telling the rest to conserve. It makes me angry for Al Gore to get an award and then see all the private jets in the airport. Arnie flys and plants trees? How many thousands of trees does it take? Anyone figure it out?

Today you can make an appearance at the accademy awards from a satellite feed from your 45,000 square foot mansion in TN.

They want to be good people, ride Delta with the rest of us.

Answer 1

The companies that sell the carbon offsets have the different values for driving, taking a plane etc. I do know that taking a plane is the worst way to travel, so I agree that that must take thousands of trees.

However, I disagree that the celebrities and such should stop using the comforts of the modern age just to be greener. They have to fly in order to make apearances and do a lot of other things that're in their contracts. You cannot fly green yet, so carbon offsets are the only thing you can do, one should never be chastized for trying their hardest to make a difference.

That said, many of the celebrities on the green bandwagon do have lower energy appliances, lights, they're even known for their greener cars(the EV1 was popular with celebrities, and currently BMW is selling their new hydrogen car mostly to celebrities and those that are public figures to get the word out).

So I think they're doing their part as much as possible to lead lives that're carbon neutral. Plus the greener they get, the less carbon offsets they have to buy. It's a process that will take some time as science catches up to what people want.

I'm sure as well that if this instant a green form of flight came about that you'd have celebrities lined up like crazy.

Hmm and lastly, they would not be seen as good people if they did fly and didn't buy offsets, so these people shouldn't be vilified for their positive decisions. Instead we should ask why there's celebrities and heads of state and general public figures that do NOT buy carbon offsets. Why are they not doing their part? Lead by example!

Answer 2

NO I want some of there money