Our increasing dependence on fossil fuels to heat or cool our rooms, drive our cars, power our gadgets and appliances, and illuminate our homes caused a steady climb in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere.
Our road towards a better quality of life has conversely led to a global environmental problem and decrease of nature. Carbon footprint is a means of expressing how much we contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases caused by our activities. An individual’s carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by a person’s actions. It is expressed as tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
Direct GHG emissions, as defined by the GHG Protocol, are “emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity”. On the other hand, indirect GHG emissions are “a consequence of the activities of the reporting entity, but occur at sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting entity.”
An example of a direct GHG emission is driving a car or cooking your food. Whereas carbon emissions from the production and transport of fruits you ate, and emissions from the decomposition of the fruit wastes you disposed of, are examples of indirect GHG emissions. An understanding of both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions will help us recognize that we are causing GHG emissions throughout the life cycle of a product or service.
With the increased GHG emissions, all living organisms on our planet are in immense threat. While these solutions still need time to take effect, we can all contribute to decreasing the negative impact on our environment. Individually, by decreasing the energy usage in our homes, or simply using public transport instead of billions of vehicles, we can reduce the CO2 emissions in the atmosphere by over 7 tons per year.
The quality of nature surrounding use concerns everyone. The global impact of emitting one ton of carbon dioxide in Asia is equivalent to that of one ton of carbon dioxide emitted in Europe. In other words, a negative impact of nature is a global problem that should be tackled with global solutions.
Increasing levels of anthropogenic greenhouse gases are already showing observable changes worldwide. Unfortunately, the consequences have alarmingly wide-ranging effects on aspects such as food security, environmental and human health, water resources and species biodiversity.
To better understand the need to offset our carbon footprint, have a look at the compromised ability of wildlife to forage for food and adapt to their environment due to changes in habitat conditions such as weather, vegetation, and sea ice area. Huge forest fires such as that in Australia causing loss of forest biodiversity, and loss of habitat for birds and other animals depending on forest resources. Reduced carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere due to forest fires brought about by prolonged periods of dry and hot weather. Release back of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere due to wildfires
Severe weather events resulting in damage to properties, loss of agricultural productivity, a threat to human lives, and loss of livelihood. Reduced food security since agricultural productivity is highly dependent on climate. Rise in malnutrition as food security drops. Higher risk of diseases such as that transmitted by mosquitoes, which thrive in a wetter and warmer environment. Respiratory diseases from increased air pollution levels, including greenhouse gases.
DGB works with project managers across the world to establish forests in bare, previously unproductive lands. Planting trees in barren lands leads to the creation of carbon sinks, whereby trees absorb carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to produce food. By using our services, the goal is simple - to include an innovative and flexible way to help your company calculate, reduce, and offset your carbon footprint. Our offset projects are third-party certified, to the highest standards. Whether you’re a large or small business, we have prepared various solutions for your needs and goals. Let us help you meet your environmental or climate goals, at the same time increasing sales, distinguishing your brand as eco-friendly, increase customer satisfaction.
