Together, We Offset CO2 : Carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced through many natural process throughout our environment, but it is also produced as a by-product of burning fossil fuels. CO2, while necessary for some forms of the life process, can be treacherous for our planet in excessive amounts, and has been a major contributor to the warming of our atmosphere and the greenhouse effect. The average solar energy system removes 13,000 lbs of CO2 from the atmosphere, which lifts a major burden off of our struggling planet.