As the impacts of climate change become more severe, more and more products and services are being marketed to travelers to help offset their own carbon footprint. Among the most common are carbon offsets – which allow individual travelers to invest in environmental projects designed to reduce carbon pollution. Common examples of projects that can be financed through the purchase of carbon offsets include afforestation and the construction of renewable energy sources.

While these purchases may seem useful, there is also much debate about whether they actually have a meaningful impact in the fight to slow and reverse climate change. At worst, carbon offset projects have been labeled a form of greenwashing that doesn't really help reduce CO2 emissions. But some experts say the benefits of purchasing offsets may outweigh the challenges critics have identified. (Mia Taylor, travelpulse.com)