Is carbon-offsetting a valid response to global warming?

No, but it's a clever way for politicians to turn our attention to a "common enemy" and make us more energy efficient as well as focus on recycling and the like.

Once we have been brainwashed to accept the "man-made Global warming" argument we will blindly accept tax hikes.

Look at the way 4 x 4's have been taxed now. AND not only do people agree with it but 4 x 4 drivers are villified in some quarters.....for driving a car! Never mind that some studies have shown that a mini can have as many emmisions as some 4 x 4's.

I drive a motorbike, not a 4 x 4 in case anyone was wondering.

Interesting though to note the language of some politicians. The news the other day had a government lacky calling it "dangerous global warming". So we now have two types do we?

As carbon in the atmosphere is only 0.5% of atmospheric content...there's something not right.

So, no is my answer.

But it is effective from a pure recycling and general efficiency point-of-view and I think they should be selling it to us on that basis.

My own opinion is global warming is a figment of some peoples over active imagination or an aggenda that serves
their purpose, but , carbon offsetting is not a bad thing and should be promoted as a way of decreasing waste,recycling etc and save valuable resources but at the same time is not just an excuse to raise taxes in one form or another.