cnorton’s Recent Comments

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  Carbon Correct!

  Carbon neutral is an interesting goal - I appreciate the intent but question the execution. As an organization we decided to side step by providing a Carbon Correct option. In the Forest Guardians carbon offset program (http://fguardians.org/guardians/co2-calculate.asp), we plant trees to offset carbon emissions (maybe a 1:1 for offset but probably just a good approximation) but more importantly we restore the whole ecosystem. Restoring the ecosystem has three additional benefits The restored ecosystem is 1. a nursery for additional restoration, 2. a show case of what is possible is created on the ground, 3. a healthy ecosystem is a resilient ecosystem that can better withstand inevitable climate changes. With this program we have an immediate effect - carbon reduction, and a long term effect - ability to survive in the face of change.On Umbra on carbon offsets posted 2 years ago 7 Responses

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  Carbon Positive

  Cheers from NM. I say we need to do it all - offset, change habits, and go after the bad guys. Working on reducing Brown's footprint is a great first step, perhaps the most important.

  Forest Guardians (fguardians.org) where I am Associate Director, recently began a carbon offset program as part of a larger program that also pushes people to make lifestyle changes and actively monitors the activities of extraction industries on public lands to ensure environmental laws are being met (they often aren't in which case we litigate).

  The tree planting piece has been controversial to say the least - particularly the idea of carbon nuetral. We want people to offset their foot print where they are unable to reduce it, but concentrate on reducing. It is hard to offer offset without giving people the sense that they then don't have to reduce their footprint.

  We are thinking of changing from billing it as offsetting in order to become carbon nuetral to a broader restoration principal. Making it less of a calculation - x number of trees offsets your footprint - to be more of a narrative. Something like - reduce as much as you can, then invest in restoring forests. Not just the trees, but the whole ecosystem. Be part of the solution not just a cog in the machine.

  There is no doubt the whole concept of carbon footprints is still evolving.On Some students don't want to go carbon neutral posted 2 years, 5 months ago 36 Responses