The government has unveiled proposals that would enable companies to offset as much as 10% of their carbon emissions by investing in projects that help conserve the environment and create jobs. An offset programme is contained in draft laws published in November that provide for a tax on emissions. The government said the measure was needed to meet the target of reducing the discharge of greenhouse gases by 34% in five years and by 42% by 2025.The duty, which will probably come into effect next year, will start at R120 a ton of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions."Carbon offsets can be generated through investments outside of a taxable entity's activities that result in greenhouse emission reductions," the Treasury said.Projects should encourage "investments in energy efficiency, rural development projects and initiatives aimed at restoring landscapes, reducing land degradation and biodiversity protection." ..