Carbon Credit Offsets?

Global warming is caused by the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere from human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels to provide the energy and services we use every day. We burn fossil fuels for electricity (from coal and gas) in our homes and businesses, our cars, flights and to create the food, clothes and other things we buy and consume every day. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce the CO2 emissions they are responsible for by offsetting, reducing or displacing the CO2 in another place, typically where it is more economical to do so. Carbon offsets typically include renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects (Carbon Emission Offset Directory). Is this a sustainable practice. Offsetting pollution in one area by reducing pollution in another? Is there are more thorough solution that would address pollution in general?

Debt Relief for Profit?

The issue of debt relief has been clouded by the mechanisms by which the donor countries ‘relieve’ the debt from debtor countries. Typically, the debt is bought by third parties commonly known as vulture funds. In a two step process, the buy the debt from the poorer country at low prices and then sell the debt to the donor country at inflated prices and with interest accrued. Is there a better way to relieve debt? Should it involve third parties?