You already know what the Carbon Footprint is, and its effects are not just on our daily lives, but also on the whole world. But, did you be aware that it is possible to purchase Carbon Credit to compensate for the carbon emissions that businesses and individuals emit?
Since carbon is the largest accountable gas that causes the imbalance in the Greenhouse Effect, we need to face global warming and climate change that are, already, revealing their presence. Therefore, if we do not change how we are able to relate to carbon, then we’ll be facing a bleak future.
In the belief that the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere is alarming, the concept of carbon credit was created in 1997, and was based on Kyoto Protocol. Kyoto Protocol.
The proposed plan was tied with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases. Countries had to cut down their carbon emissions by 5.2 percent, as compared to the numbers recorded in 1990 as well as taking part much more in environmental problems.
The objectives of nations and businesses must be designed to decrease carbon emissions without the necessity of buying credits. The less that purchases are required and the less carbon is required, the less carbon will be released into the atmosphere.
Find out more about the use of carbon credits in addition to its pros and cons in this post.
Did you know? You can buy credits through Axsess…
What causes carbon?
The process of photosynthesis is the most well-known method for creating carbon. Living beings absorb solar power in addition to carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and convert this carbon dioxide to oxygen. In the process of breathing and decomposition of living beings carbon is also released.
Carbon is produced through terrestrial, aquatic plant, animal and human beings. The latter produce in the process of decomposition as well as by the utilization of fossil fuels including coal, oil, and natural gas. Carbon production is occurring on a daily basis through pollution, deforestation and fires.
What are Carbon’s problems?
Carbon production started to be a problem due to the high volume of production. The process, which would be normal and balanced, became more intense due to human activities after the Industrial Revolution. That’s the reason the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is now extremely harmful.
These emissions into the atmosphere interfere with the natural warming on Earth. Instead of having a natural greenhouse effect, which is vital for maintaining a steady temperature on Earth We must tackle overheating because the higher levels of gases responsible for this process keeps the heat from escaping out into space.
The increase in greenhouse gases alters the entire ecosystem on Earth leading to global warming. Overheating leads to worldwide climate changes. Our entire lifestyle is intrinsically connected to the seasons. either too much or not enough rain. Extreme cold and intense heat are a couple of details that totally alter the environment on Earth.
So, we are able to follow dramatic modifications like:
melting glaciers;
floods and droughts;
loss of biodiversity;
volcanoes erupting, etc.
What is Carbon compensation?
There are efforts to reduce carbon emissions. However, some emissions are not a choice. However they can be neutralized or compensated for, that is, investments are made in actions to reduce the amount of carbon produced.
One carbon credit equals one tonne of carbon dioxide not released into the atmosphere. The value of the credit varies. currently, in Brazil the price is around R$2000. Countries can purchase and trade carbon credits, as do companies. But this market should not be considered as the answer to emitting carbon in a hurry. Instead, it’s the reverse.
Carbon compensation is possible by taking small steps in your daily life, such as the reduction of energy use. Having a sustainable lifestyle is a good way to offset carbon, and you are able to:
recycle;
selecting one or two days a week not to eat meat for a couple of days;
Think about the future of cars;
You are aware of your consumption habits;
in comparison to other.
The changes that companies make on a regular basis need to be added to those performed by people.
Businesses must choose to invest in sustainable infrastructure, maintaining an awareness of the environment and encouraging environmentally conscious actions among employees. In addition, they need to think of different ways of compensation, for example, purchasing carbon credits.
A different option for businesses is to encourage the planting of trees and the creation of green spaces. The public can also take part in this effort to become more environmentally friendly and also support organisations that promote sustainable practices. The concept of compensating carbon emissions is a necessity that needs to be contemplated by everyone in order to ensure that the environment is not deteriorating for the living things on Earth.
Take a look at our post on what are carbon footprints? And what does it mean for your life. In this post, you’ll learn more about carbon and the impact of carbon on your daily life. It also has details that can help curb emission of greenhouse gases.
Who can neutralize carbon emissions?
CO2 emissions are neutralized through corporations and individuals.
It is now more typical for companies to participate in the process of neutralizing emissions and buying carbon credits. Some of the biggest global corporations participate in this process, such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Mercedes-Benz and Unilever. For instance, in Brazil, Natura put into the practice of this Carbon Neutral Program in 2007.
Businesses are understanding the connection between environmental concerns and economic success. In addition to investing in sustainable initiatives, they have also begun to develop carbon neutralization goals. Projects can be as varied as is possible, and they could be:
investments in renewable energy
Zero waste
develop biodegradable substances;
creation of ecological cars;
create a sustainable production chain;
as well as.
In addition to the actions and modifications in the manufacturing process of companies, some decide to invest in buying and sale of carbon credits which have emerged as a new currency on the financial market. One carbon credit is equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide that hasn’t gone into the atmosphere.
Countries are also part of the effort to eliminate emissions. As in companies, their actions need be planned in a sustainable manner. Additionally, they are able to be part of the carbon credit market.
Benefits of Carbon Credit Carbon Credit
As we have mentioned before every carbon credit equates to one ton of carbon not released to the air. Therefore, getting the credit an advantage. The company or country which doesn’t have alternatives to reduce emissions sees a benefit by purchasing this credit.
For some organizations, countries and businesses, the benefit is in the sale of carbon credits. These are organizations that can cut down on the use of carbon. In this way, they increase their economic performance by leveraging the money they can invest in the sustainable activities they develop.
Carbon credits purchased from companies who are eco-conscious can boost their image. Sometimes the company behaves sustainably however there is some carbon emits. In this scenario the credit purchase indicates how much the business considers encouraging sustainable actions.
Carbon Credit’s disadvantages Credit
The main disadvantage of the carbon credit lies on the exchange market. Certain countries and institutions can take advantage of the market and continue to emit their greenhouse emissions. They don’t invest in actions to avoid emissions because they are able to buy unlimited credits.
In this instance in this scenario, the reduction of one ton of carbon that is, 1 credit, will not be enough. Because, in fact the person using the entire ton, and it won’t be a real emission reduction. It is a disadvantage that is causing a lot of debate among world leaders and environmentalists.
Carbon credits is also to be considered in a sustainable manner. It is an option for emergencies but not to be based on the fact that it is a way to save.
Everyone’s focus must be on cutting emission of greenhouse gas. Only in this way will you be in a position to stop the negative consequences caused by global warming.