Carbon offsetting programs in North America: assessing the involvement of the hospitality and tourism industry

With increasing concerns of the growing emissions of greenhouse gases on a global scale by government agencies, academics, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) and businesses, the carbon offsetting market around the world has evolved. During this worldwide evolution, however, North America has remained at a near standstill with regards to carbon offsetting . The compliance and voluntary offsetting market, often seen as a temporary solution to mitigating climate change, has faced criticism on the actual projects and the lack of standards in place. This in turn has produced a high level of consumer confusion regarding the credibility of carbon offsets and its overall impact on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study determines the status of the voluntary carbon offset market in North America and the current level of the hospitality and tourism industry in mitigating its impact on climate change.