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Carbon Footprint FAQWhere does my donation go?What type of project do you support? What's the difference between Carbon, Greenhouse gases and CO2? What happens when trees mature? Do they get cut and eventually burned after their wood has served its purpose? What happens when trees die, is the same amount of CO2 released? Once planted, is there any guarantee that these trees will grow to maturity to do their carbon-capture work? Can I make a larger impact on climate change by changing my lifestyle so that I'm not creating so much CO2 to feel guilty about? ------ Where does my donation go? Your money will be used for:
What type of project do you support? At present our primary offsetting project is a reforestation project in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Our criteria for selecting offsetting projects include working with experienced and reputable local organisations to develop suitable, sustainable projects based on principles of conservation. Our projects will always engage local people as key stakeholders and incorporate their interests at all times. Current research has indicated reforestation projects aimed at restoring native forests within protected areas and within the tropics provide the most guaranteed form of carbon sequestration (carbon storing). Selection of any future reforestation projects will take into account these scientific findings. We do not support 'plantation' and timber harvesting projects. We envisage expanding our project portfolio in the near future to include sustainable/renewable energy projects and possibly certified carbon credit schemes. What's the difference between Carbon, Green house gases and CO2? CO2 is the standard measure of Green house gas emissions (GHG). In reality there are many other gases that contribute to climate change (e.g. methane). All these gases are converted to represent their CO2 equivalent. When carbon is used in climate change terms it is generally referring to CO2. What happens when trees mature? Do they get cut and eventually burned after their wood has served its purpose No, they are protected. The forest will go on living. We will only fund projects that reforest areas that are legally protected and will not be harvested. What happens when trees die, is the same amount of CO2 released? In a forest situation, plants will die and release carbon and methane gases however natural regeneration is constantly occurring and the forest remains a carbon sink absorbing and storing more carbon the it emits (in tropical forests anyway - there is debate in other parts of the world, i.e. higher latitudes). Methane and water vapour released is minimal. Also note that trees store carbon in the soil and foliage around them as well, not just in the timber. For absorbing and storing carbon, forests are effective tools. Also note in areas such as Thailand where our project is based, trees have extended development benefits. For upsides, we engage local villagers. They benefit from the restoration of watersheds and a return of biodiversity. They may also benefit from being directly employed to monitor and trained to run a nursery (capacity building). In some cases, the trees act a conduit for funding into village development projects for sustainable economic development. Big extended pluses that your dollar contributes to when you plant a tree to offset your carbon emissions. Once planted, is there any guarantee that these trees will grow to maturity to do their carbon-capture work? There will be natural thinning and perhaps a mortality rate of maybe 10% for example, but this is countered by natural regeneration. We work in forest regeneration projects on government land or national parks - not plantations. Therefore the land is protected and set aside for forests so in theory, what was once degraded land will now be restored to natural forest or as close as can be and will live forever. All budgets for projects include up to 3 years of maintenance and monitoring costs so every effort to ensure success is made. The organisations we work with such as PATT and FORRU from Chiang Mai University are experts in their fields. We have personally visited the project sites and regular monitoring of the projects will occur. Can I make a larger impact on climate change by changing my lifestyle so that I'm not creating so much CO2 to feel guilty about? In reality it can be difficult to live a carbon neutral lifestyle, offsetting is a good way to negate the impact of any unavoidable carbon emissions. However it is possible to live a low carbon' lifestyle; we are currently developing online education resources that will provide useful advice on how people can reduce their contribution to climate change. ------ |
El Camino
In May 2008 join us as we walk the last 11 days of the Camino de Santiago, a magnificent route through northwestern Spain's Galicia. > Read More