Carbon offsetting
Since the 1800s, the global emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has been increasing. For example, in 2019, about 43.1 billion tons of CO2 were emitted into the atmosphere as a by-product of human activities. That was an all-time high breaking the previous record from 2018!
Recently, carbon offsetting or going carbon-neutral is a growing priority for organisations and governments in many countries. As such, offsetting carbon has become a common practice among large businesses and organisations in a bid to mitigate their greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions.
How does carbon offsetting work?
Usually, carbon offsetting works by trading carbon credits or permits in carbon markets. Essentially, these credits represent the right to emit a set amount of greenhouse gases. While this may seem unreasonable in the face of climate change, trading carbon credits help to fund eco-friendly activities. For example, you can plant trees to offset your carbon or restore degraded lands. Other ways include providing renewable solutions to communities in developing economies.
Certainly, there are ethical concerns when it comes to carbon offsetting. But doing it the right way could help to support and sustain the green economy while being part of wider global emissions-reduction strategies.
What is a carbon offset?
A carbon offset is a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases made in order to compensate for emissions made elsewhere.
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are gases that cause the so-called greenhouse effect on our planet. Earth’s natural greenhouse effect is vital to supporting life. However, human activities, mainly the burning of fossil fuels and clearcutting of forests, have increased the greenhouse effect and caused global warming.
A carbon offsetting solution for our volunteers
To reduce our business impact, we are offering a tree planting scheme to our volunteers to offset their carbon footprint from air travel. We do not buy or sell carbon credits; we work directly with our partner project, BORNEO WILD HABITAT. Our tree planting scheme is part of the Corridor of Life project, an ongoing reforestation work to connect degraded habitats and preserve the remaining wildlife and biodiversity in this region.
Why plant trees to offset carbon?
Planting trees is one of the most effective nature-based solutions we can apply to combat climate change. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide as part of their natural lifecycle. So, by planting more trees we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere. Also, it is more practical than providing renewable energy. Moreover, tree planting helps with tackling air pollution, preventing soil erosion, and providing a home to our dwindling wildlife.