Understanding Our Carbon Footprint

Climate change is a global issue which demandscutting the consumption of electricity, energy,
the immediate attention of all organizations,gasoline while carbon offsetting may include usage
governments and individuals alike. Today there areof alternative sources of energy for example
forward-thinking organizations which have begunplanting more trees.
voluntarily declaring their GHG emissions forCarbon dioxide emissions are associated with
reasons such as risk management, cost reduction,power plants and industrial activities but really all
brand protection, and attracting socially responsiblebusinesses and organizations such as offices,
investment.shops, banks, hospitals, schools and local
Carbon Dioxide is one the largest components ofauthorities emit carbon dioxide. All of these
the Greenhouse Gases which is warming ourexamples whether directly or indirectly emit CO2.
planet. By being fully aware of the impact ourAll of these examples need electricity for lighting
Carbon Footprint we can begin to reduce it andand to run computers and other equipment.
thereby reduce the impact on the environment.Carbon offsetting alone won't stop climate change.
Carbon offset schemes tend to focus onThe best offset is the one that doesn't need to
fast-growing trees, such as eucalyptus and pine,be created. Carbon Dioxide is a colourless,
which are non-native and have a much lowertasteless, odourless and non-toxic gas.
environmental and biodiversity benefit than nativeCO2 is recognized as a greenhouse gas, of which
species.increasing levels in the atmosphere are linked to
Tree plantations also require more water thanglobal warming and climate change.
grasses and shrubs. Carbon reduction includes,