"Carbon Neutral" what does this signify for our planet?

Carbon Neutrality is an honorable and practical goal for earth communities. Striving to neutralize and/or offset carbon dioxide emissions is a good starting formula for cleaning up some of the mess we are creating here on our little blue ball. Perhaps it is too simple a goal, perhaps it poses some challenges to those communities who pledge to go this route, but we need to start somewhere. As one of my favorite Zen monks says, "Everything you do matters, even if its just making your bed in the morning, it matters."

There are already a few countries pledging carbon neutrality. In class we learned about a small town in Scotland called Biggar, but included in the carbon neutral pledge is Norway, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Maldives and several others. Yes, it seems these are small countries but perhaps they can set an example for the rest of the world to follow?

Some questions I would like to ask are, what does it mean to be carbon neutral, I mean, really? Does it mean that the entire system that produces carbon emissions is to be re-ordered in such a way that we will still be producing carbon emissions and offsetting these emissions with the planting of trees or some other such method? Kinda like a version of sinning all week and going to church on Sunday to absolve thyself?

I'm not saying to not plant trees. But just like I have seen the word "organic" go from meaning something to more of a brand, I have to let my critical mind loose on this one. I don't think going carbon neutral will mean much if we don't keep a close watch on our politicians and how this term could possibly be used or abused. I would like to see carbon neutrality as a whole-hearted effort to not only offset but reduce emissions entirely using different methods of harnessing power. I think some kind of economic initiative to promote new systems along with penalties for polluting the environment should be put into place.