Emissions Reductions

Written By Kim Vinet
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Here is Issue 06 of Affirmative’s Newsletter - What Sustainability Really Means - focusing on EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS


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HAVE YOU HEARD OF?

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol

The mission of the GHG Protocol is to develop and promote broad adoption of internationally accepted GHG quantification, accounting and reporting standards for businesses.

To enable emissions reductions targets, companies must be able to understand, measure and manage their GHG risks & opportunities. The GHG Protocol is used for mandatory & voluntary reporting and certification, or for participation in GHG markets. A reporting organization reports the various portions of their overall emissions footprint:

  • Scope I — direct GHG emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the company.

  • Scope II — emissions associated with the generation of electricity, heating/cooling, or steam purchased for the company’s own consumption.

  • Scope III (an optional reporting category) — all other indirect emissions, which are related to corporate activities, but are produced by sources outside of the company.

LEARN MORE about GHG Protocol ➙

SDG SPOTLIGHT:

Forests are the planet’s largest remover of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Intact forests (those containing diverse populations of native species without habitat fragmentation) are vulnerable to exploitation. Only 12% of these forests are protected. Boreal forests have the highest carbon density of all forest types and sequester nearly twice as much carbon as tropical forests. Promoting protected and unabated existence of old-growth forests is one of the most effective available strategies for reversing climate change.

Learn more about Boreal Forests ➙

Blending the perception of a naturalist, with knowledge, philosophy and humour, Ross provides tips that ensure the health & longevity of our ecosystems for the benefit of not only humanity, but all life on this planet; now & into the future.

Support Nerdy About Nature ➙

What is a carbon offset?
A carbon offset is an investment into an emissions-reducing project. When an entity (person, corporation, government etc.) creates 1 tonne of CO2, they may purchase the opportunity for 1 tonne of CO2e to be decreased elsewhere — resulting in a net zero carbon footprint.

How do I know an offset is legitimate?
Legitimate carbon offset developments must qualify under a standardizing body that certifies each unit of carbon. Carbon credits that are approved through a standardizing body, must be registered to ensure that each unit produced is unique and only ever assigned once. Reputable standards and carbon registries ensure the integrity of carbon markets by ensuring that each carbon mitigation project is:

  • REAL: Every carbon credit must represent a real emission reduction that has occurred.

  • PERMANENT: Emission reductions created cannot be undone (and last ~100 years).

  • MEASURABLE: Emission reductions are quantifiable to a high degree of confidence.

  • VERIFIABLE: An unbiased third party can use data (of sufficient quantity and quality) to verify the occurrence and the accuracy of emission reductions.

  • SURPLUS: Reductions achieved must go above and beyond the minimum that is required by law or regulation.

  • ADDITIONAL: Must result from emission reductions that would not have otherwise occurred in the course of business as usual.

Why do some people say that carbon offsetting is bad?
Carbon offsetting should never be used in place of an attempt to reduce atmospheric carbon emissions. Many groups believe that carbon offsetting is an essential tool to meet Paris Agreement targets to limit warming to 1.5 degrees but we must not rely too heavily on carbon removal as a means to buy the opportunity to continue to produce emissions (“pay to play”). Ensuring your offset purchase has been verified and registered ensures the sequestration of carbon is time-bound meaning emissions are not just being deferred until a later date. Many issues would be prevented through increasingly strict regulations on carbon markets. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU ENSURE YOU ARE PURCHASING REGISTERED CARBON OFFSETS!

What is a co-benefit?
Carbon offsetting projects often achieve “co-benefits”, which means that not only does the project reduce atmospheric carbon, but it also increases other socio-economic benefits of sustainable development. Many offsetting projects create opportunities such as jobs & education, ensure the conservation of biodiversity, allow the practice of Indigenous rights & traditions, result in barrier-free access to clean water & energy, provide greenspace or recreational areas that enrich communities, improve public health and much more. Carbon credits also support investment into the innovation required to lower the cost of emerging climate technologies. When done right, carbon offsetting can be a powerful tool to create a more sustainable world!

Learn more about Carbon Offsetting ➙
Kim Vinet http://www.affirmativesustainability.com
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