The International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says we’ve only 10 years left to limit and prevent the cataclysmic effects of climate change on the planet, its environment, people and vast species of flora and fauna.
In 2019, an estimated 36.8 billion metric tons of human-made carbon dioxide entered the atmosphere. For every person in Australia, that’s around 23 tons each produced annually.
While there are a number of ways we can help reduce this figure — composting, recycling and opting for green energy alternatives — there is one sure-fire way we can ensure we’re offsetting our carbon footprints, by planting trees that will go on to act as the earth’s lungs and sequester carbon.
In order to limit global temperatures rising 1.5 degrees Celsius, the IPCC says one billion hectares of forest must be planted. That’s a land size greater than the entirety of Australia.
Critical, yes, but it’s certainly not impossible, especially if more of us begin to employ easy and effective offsetting programs available through Australian groups like Greenfleet.
Greenfleet is a not-for-profit organisation committed to protecting the climate by restoring our forests. It plants native biodiverse forests in Australia and New Zealand to capture carbon emissions, and since launching in 1997, Greenfleet has planted more than 9.2 million native trees across 500 forests.
Greenfleet allows Australians the chance to offset their emissions via its simple calculator, and now, those looking to offset their carbon footprints for an entire year can do just that with the CarbonCover 365 plan.
For $365, or $1 a day, Greenfleet will offset your — or if you choose to give CarbonCover 365 as a gift, a loved one’s — annual carbon emissions by planting enough local, native trees to equate to a person’s yearly carbon contributions: 23 tons.
The 23 ton total includes all activities that would produce emissions and use energy, including those in the home, workplace, and on the road/in the air. “There is a critical need to take action on climate change and we all have a responsibility to reduce our impact on the planet,” Greenfleet says.
“CarbonCover 365 funds native reforestation projects. Native forests absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while also restoring habitat and increasing biodiversity.
By including locally adaptive species in our planting, we ensure a resilient forest that will thrive over the next 100 years.”
After new trees are planted, Greenfleet uses aerial photography plus in-person visits to check-in on the development of the forests and the wildlife that emerges as a result of the new eco-habitat. If an area is looking a little sparse or sees damage from a natural disaster, Greenfleet will replace or replant trees in a new location to ensure the success of the offset program.
Recently, Greenfleet also launched a monthly offset subscription. For $30.42 per month, the organisation will work its magic to offset your carbon footprint using the same initiatives.
You can find out more about Greenfleet’s work and purchase CarbonCover 365 on the Greenfleet site now.