“Try not to think in those terms,” says Albert. “There is a tremendous treasure house of merit being built up by the nonprofits; it’s already out there, cooling the warmth of perdition. Your donation is a partial penance that corresponds to the minor amounts of carbon you’ve released in the world.”

Chori’s already scribbling out a check. “What should I put in the memo field? Is it still just ‘indul–’”

“We call them ‘credits’ now,” smiles Albert. “We’ve found it markets better.”