FAQs - CO2 & Global Warming



What is global warming?


The changing climate patterns witnessed over the last decades are accompanied by a steady rise in temperature of the atmosphere and oceans on a global scale. Most scientists consider that this rise in temperature is in principal due to human activity.
According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) the consequences of the rise in temperatures will have irreversible effects on nature.

Following are the principal negative effects on environment forecasted by the IPCC:

• The melting of the polar glaciers and the consequent rise of ocean levels
• 1/3 of animal life and 2/3 of vegetal life threatened by extinction
• Extinction of coral reefs, mangroves, boreal and tropical forests
• Certain greenhouse gases, such as CO2, will have negative consequences on the climate long after they have been released (more than 1000 years for CO2)

The IPCC also warns of more immediate consequences for mankind:

• Lower agricultural output
• Diminishing potable water resources and more difficult access to potable water
• Increase in forest fires
• Negative consequence on human health in the form of increased prevalence of allergies, cholera, malaria, etc…
• Risk of mass migration due to flooding
• Economic costs of 5500 billion Euros to fight the consequences of climate change
• Risk of geopolitical instability, civil wars (according to Pentagon report 2003 and UNEP report 2007)



What are CO2 emissions?


The total amount of CO2 found on our Planet is constant, however the problem facing us today is that too much of this CO2 is released into the atmosphere. Much of this CO2 is released from fossil fuels and is increasing atmospheric levels of CO2, which in turn accelerates the rise in global temperatures.

The increase in atmospheric CO2 levels has two origins: natural and related to human activity, with the second one registering high growth rates over the last decades. Here are some figures:

• The current level of atmospheric CO2 concentration levels are around 380 ppm while in 1850 the levels were around 280 ppm
• On a yearly basis, the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere and caused by human activity increase by roughly 1.7% per year
• In 2007, the CO2 that was released into the atmosphere due to human activity was twice as much as in 1971.
• In 2007, a total of 35 Gt of CO2 was released into the atmosphere. Roughly 11 Gt were absorbed by the Earth, which leaves a surplus of 24 Gt in 2007.
• In 2007, 6 Gt of CO2 was released into the atmosphere due to deforestation



Why offset CO2?


When considering compensating CO2 emissions it is important to signal that the most important step is to actually reduce the CO2 footprint. Taking care of the problem before it appears is always the best solution. Tree-Nation will always push towards reducing CO2 emissions. Only when reducing becomes impossible should we consider compensating.

It is clear that as of today not all CO2 emissions can be avoided and that is where Tree-Nation offers individuals and companies to compensate their CO2 footprint. According to the IPCC we have to reduce global CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050 in order to avoid catastrophic consequences on the climate. If this would be achieved it would not eliminate global warming but reduce it an increase of 2%. It is therefore the responsibility of all to act.



Why offsetting CO2 by planting trees?


We need to re-capture the atmospheric CO2 in the ground. In this, trees are not just a beautiful exchange symbol between the earth and the sky, they are also very powerful CO2 sinks.

When compensating CO2 emissions, trees are the most natural, cost efficient systems. But most importantly, deforestation and agriculture accounts for about one third of global greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Therefore Tree-Nation sets its goal to help solving one third of the global warming problem. And we happily leave solar energy and other CO2 reducing technologies tackle the 2 other thirds. In other words, tree planting, solar energy, thermal energy, energy reduction programs for cars and buildings and numerous other ways to fight climate change are all striving for the same outcome, with each of them occupying an important place.

When our eyes are easily focusing on new technologies as a solution to all our problems, Tree-Nation would like to underline the power of nature and the need to preserve it. With carbon stocks in forest biomass decreasing annually by 1.1 Giga-ton of carbon, our goal is to replant as many trees as deforested on a global scale.

Also read: What are the links between forests and climate change?.



How much CO2 can a tree compensate?


The percentage of CO2 captured by a given tree varies according to the species, the region where it is planted, the age of the tree and the climatic conditions of a given region.

Our Colombia and Nicaragua plantations are ideal for the compensation of CO2 due to the location, climate and tree species available.

In Colombia (1), the average of our trees compensate approximately 280 kg of CO2 over their lifetime.

In Nicaragua (2), the average compensation capability of the 5 species planted in Nicaragua is situated at 265 kg of CO2 over their lifetime.

Our plantation in Niger (3), which location doesn’t offer such ideal conditions, is able to offset approximately 150 Kg of CO2 over the trees lifetime. This project is mainly dedicated to fight against desertification.

You will find more information regarding the CO2 compensation looking at the tree details.

1- Download our planter report
2- From: CATIE (Centro Agronómico Tropical de Investigación y Enseñanza)
3- From: INRAN (Institut National de Recherche en Agronomie du Niger)



Is CO2 offsetting enough to counteract global warming?


It is necessary to understand the impact our activity (be it as a person or as a business) has on the environment and to look for ways to reduce these negative effects. Only compensating CO2 is not enough and is not the miracle solution against global warming. The compensation of CO2 should be seen as complementary to the reduction of emissions.
The advantage of compensating includes the fact that it is cost-efficient and does not need a big initial investment, while it can also be implemented quickly. The compensation of CO2 should be seen as a straight-forward method in reducing the impact on the environment where the reduction of emissions is not feasible in a timely manner on an economic and operational scale.



Is offseting CO2 just about getting a good image?


As mentioned in the last paragraph the compensation of CO2 should not be seen as the miracle solution, but rather as one of many tools in the fight against climate change. CO2 compensation also guides a company or a person when it comes to the costs their actions have on the environment and therefore could push them towards producing less over time.

With over 3 years of experience, we have noted that the companies and individuals that plant the most trees and thus compensate their CO2 are the ones that have grasped the concept of sustainable development. Such planters do not plant to improve their image but out of conviction.



How can I reduce my carbon footprint?


For this purpose we created an "Eco Resolution" section in your member profile. Just go there and start taking some concrete actions that will help the planet. As simple as that!



How can I calculate my CO2 emissions?


If you would like to calculate your CO2 emissions as a company, please read more here.



What are the CO2 emissions per person?


This information will be available soon.




FAQs - List

About Tree-Nation