CO₂ compensation

 Calculating the CO₂ footprint and offsetting it through old-growth forest protection

Offsetting CO₂ through old-growth forest protection?

When you hear the word "offset," the first thing that comes to mind is that emitted CO₂ is absorbed somewhere else. This is the case with some projects. In fact, however, many offsetting approaches are also based on preventing further CO₂ emissions in a comprehensible way.

We are convinced that it is more urgent and effective to preserve intact natural areas before it is too late. After all, large amounts of carbon are stored in the living biomass of these areas. On top of that, they have many other important functions for a healthy climate. Find out here why old-growth forest is our most important buffer against climate change.

CO₂ storage

The world's forests and peatlands store the same amount of CO₂ as is present in the entire atmosphere. When such carbon-rich ecosystems are destroyed, they release more CO₂ than it would ever be possible to sequester again in a period of time relevant to humans.

Because deforestation affects the climate.

When a forest is cut down, the carbon stored in it is released by the use of the wood and the rotting of the branches, leaves and roots. Sooner or later, every tree that is taken out of the forest rots or is burned; whether as paper recycled seven times over or furniture inherited for years. A carbon stock that has built up over thousands of years in the biomass of the forest thus re-enters the atmosphere as carbon dioxide within a very short time. There, the CO₂ acts as a greenhouse gas and accelerates global warming.

Calculate your CO₂ footprint

Whether you are a private individual, an office or a medical practice - we currently offer three specialized, free CO₂ calculators and more are being added regularly. You can use them to calculate, analyze and reduce CO₂ emissions easily and free of charge.

Afterwards you can offset the CO₂footprint directly by protecting valuable rainforest!

to the CO₂ calculator to the CO₂ calculator

10 - 15 % of all annual CO₂ emissions are caused by forest destruction and the draining of forest peatlands. This means that the loss of forest area has a much greater impact on the atmosphere than, for example, the worldwide aviation sectorwhich accounts for 3.6% of emissions.

Bill Murray

GHOSTBUSTER

Forest loss

Every year, 12.2 million hectares of tropical forest are cleared. Another 13 million hectares of boreal, subtropical and temperate forests are added year after year. That's 25.2 million hectares of destroyed forest annually - an area equivalent to the size of Great Britain.

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What does it cost to offset 1 ton of CO₂?

With a donation of 16.70€, you can offset one ton of CO₂because each square meter in our protected areas stores an average of 60 kg of CO₂. 1 m² of rainforest can be forever protected with a 1€ donation. That way, you ensure that the carbon in the biomass of the forest is not released, but remains permanently stored.

Because forests give us more than we think.

Without the forest, our air would be polluted, and rainfall would become less predictable. Water sources would dwindle, and the land would struggle to stay fertile. The vibrant sounds of birds and bees will fade, leaving a quieter world. Yet, with the forest's protection, we ensure a healthier, more balanced future for all.

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From a global perspective, old-growth forests are our most important buffer against human-induced climate change. Protecting them is a top priority if we want to save the climate.

Kai Andersch

Forest Scientist & Chairman of the Board