<
https://reneweconomy.com.au/blow-to-carbon-offsets-as-energy-giant-concedes-they-dont-undo-harms-from-fossil-fuels/>
"EnergyAustralia has pledged to back away from the use of carbon offsets to
deal with emissions, in a statement following a legal settlement that is being
hailed as a “landmark” moment.
The company, one of Australia’s largest energy firms, has issued an apology to
more than 400,000 customers, acknowledging that carbon offsets “do not prevent
or undo harms” caused by burning fossil fuels.
EnergyAustralia issued the statement early on Monday following a lawsuit
launched by Parents for Climate that had been scheduled to be heard in the NSW
Federal Court on Wednesday last week.
The group, with more than 20,000 members, called EnergyAustralia’s
acknowledgement a win for Australian consumers but said it could also set a
standard for the use of carbon offsets and environmentally friendly marketing
by other companies.
The lawsuit, filed in August 2023, claimed the energy generator and retailer
misled customers using its Go Neutral products that were marketed as “carbon
neutral” due to the purchase of carbon offsets and claimed consumers would have
a “positive impact on the environment”.
In its statement, EnergyAustralia apologised to customers who felt the
marketing claims were unclear and acknowledged carbon offsets did not reverse
environmental harm.
“While offsets can help people to invest in worthwhile projects that may reduce
greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere, offsets do not prevent or undo the harms
caused by burning fossil fuels for a customer’s energy use,” the statement
said.
“Even with carbon offsetting, the emissions released from burning fossil fuels
for a customer’s energy use still contribute to climate change.”
EnergyAustralia withdrew its Go Neutral plans from the market in 2024, and
chief customer officer Kate Gibson said the company would focus on direct
efforts to reduce emissions in future.
“Carbon offsets should not be used to delay or diminish the important work that
needs to be done to actively decarbonise,” she said."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
