Solution to Global Warming
Become Carbon Conscious!
It’s not possible to truly ‘offset’ carbon emissions or become ‘carbon neutral’ by planting trees. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon that has not been in the carbon cycle for millions of years, and therefore creates a net increase of carbon in the biosphere. Also, by the time a tree reaches the size where it can absorb a certain amount of carbon, the CO2 will already have contributed to global warming.
In addition, promoting the concepts of ‘carbon offsetting’ and ‘carbon neutral’ runs the risk of providing an apparent justification for continuing with a fossil-fuel intensive lifestyle and culture, whereas it is a drastic reduction in fossil fuel usage that is required now.
Instead, individuals and organisations should become Carbon Conscious, by committing to take action to reduce emissions, and to plant trees to reduce the impact of those emissions that are unavoidable.
The Problem
The carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of our modern consumer-oriented society are a major contributor to rapid climate change. When fossil fuels are burned, carbon that has been locked away for millions of years is released into the air, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise and significant climatic changes to take place. We are already seeing an increase in extreme weather events, and indicators of imminent large-scale climate change, with serious implications for the world as we know it.
As trees and other plants play a vital role in the balancing of CO2 and oxygen levels, widespread deforestation has also had a negative impact, releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere.
The Solution - Become Carbon Conscious!
The most important solution to global warming is to reduce CO2 emissions. Minimising the use of fossil fuels, and living more lightly on the Earth are eminently feasible - all that is required is for each of us to have the commitment to put those principles into practice.
However, it is not possible to eliminate all CO2 emissions immediately, so in the interim we can help to reduce the impact of those emissions that are unavoidable by planting trees. By supporting forest restoration, you will be helping to absorb some of the excess CO2 in the atmosphere, as well as providing habitat for a wide range of very special wildlife, and giving it a better chance of adapting to climate change. However, it is essential that this be combined with effective action from each of us to reduce our CO2 emissions.
