Beyond carbon offsetting

Carbon offsetting is not enough. We must become Nature and climate-positive.

An organisation is carbon neutral if it balances, offsets, or compensates the emissions it produces with greenhouse gas avoidance or removal credits. The problem is that carbon neutrality alone is not sufficient to meet globally accepted climate targets. To limit global warming to below 2°C, as stated in the Paris Agreement, the world needs to decarbonise and reach net-zero by 2050. For organisations, this means actively reducing their emissions, for example, by transitioning to renewable energy sources.

The issue, however, goes beyond achieving net zero.

 

 

We believe we must put our collective efforts into actions that positively transform Nature and the climate.

Healing the planet

In the period 1850-1900, highs of more than 30 ºC were recorded in many parts of the world at that time. In 2022, with only 1.3 °C of global warming relative to this historical baseline, record temperatures of more than 40 °C or more were generated in many countries. Imagine, then, what an increase of 2°C (if not more) in global average temperature could mean in terms of maximums in the near future (Brave New Europe, September 2022). And this would have disastrous consequences, such as loss of biodiversity and habitats, rising sea levels, disappearance of islands or coastal areas, more intense and prolonged droughts and floods, and uncontrollable fires.

Reducing our footprint is not enough. We must begin to heal the planet. That is why we encourage our partner organisations to compensate 20% more than net zero (overcompensation) and inspire others to take action for Nature and climate.

There has never been a more critical time for organisations to do the right thing. Becoming Nature and climate-positive does not happen overnight, or from one week to the next. It’s quite a journey. But it is a journey we must begin now.