Carbon and the environment

Carbon Offset options

Help the environment. Use the RBS Carbon Offset service to play your part, no matter how small.


Most of the world's leading scientists and politicians agree that 'greenhouse gases' are causing climate change.

Whenever we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas - in our factories, offices and vehicles - carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced. This is a greenhouse gas, so the more that goes into the air, the more the world heats up. This change can look small, but it's enough to have a big effect.

Carbon dioxide and your business

It's not just big corporations that generate CO2. All types and sizes of business produce CO2 - whether it's driving vehicles, heating and lighting premises or travelling on business.

The good news is that you can use our new Carbon Offset service to help your business have a positive impact on the environment.

You may also wish to offset your personal impact on the environment. Please visit Carbon Offset for individuals for more information.

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The concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere has increased by an astonishing 35% since the industrial revolution (from 280 parts per million (ppm) to 379ppm in 2005).

There's no doubt - human activity is one of the main causes.

The primary source of increased CO2 in our atmosphere is due to the burning of fossil fuels, with changes in land-use (for example de-forestation), playing another significant, although smaller part.

Unless we join together and take action, these emission trends are likely to continue.

Data source:
IPCC, 2007: Summary of Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2007.

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Based on best estimates the Earth's surface air temperature is likely to rise by 1.1 to 6.4 degrees centigrade during this century.

This doesn't sound very much but it could have catastrophic impact across the Earth.

This increase in temperature will cause the sea level to rise, and is likely to cause extreme weather more often. There may also be changes in rainfall. Disease will increase in many parts of the world some species of animals could become extinct.

Were you aware, for example, that melting ice caps in the Arctic Ocean are disrupting the feeding habits of polar bears? They are now thinner and less healthy. The warming climate is also affecting the migration routes of birds, fish and turtles.

Data source:
IPCC, 2007: Summary of Policymakers. In: Climate Change 2007.

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