As RESORSUS we distinct the definitions of Net Zero and being Carbon Neutral.

 

We describe "Net Zero" as; balancing the both carbon emissions and carbon sinks with internal developments like technical improvements in the processes. 

 

We define the "Carbon Neutrality" as; balancing the certain organization's footprints by utilizing the external resources. Most common example of Carbon Neutrality activities are nowadays' fervent hot topics; carbon offsetting. 

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Hereby, we would like to explain our approach and understanding on GHG mitigation or AKA "carbon offsetting" in the light of recent speculations.

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John Oliver, most probably one of the funniest comedians of our times has touched on offsetting in one of his recent shows. Thanks to him offsets are on the spotlight; but not in a way we wish. We would like to explain our position and some of the misconceptions about the offsets in general.

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Net Zero Dilemma?

As explained above we distinct Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality. We are completely committed to net zero of the organizations. That's why we always search ways to reduce emissions of our clients and only suggest offsetting for the remaining amount. We can not rely on offsets only in the fight of climate change.

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Becoming net zero, especially for the heavy industries is a long term challenge. Not everyday a ground breaking technology pops up. Offsetting is only a temporary tool that is used to achieve the great target of net zero.

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Climate crisis is the biggest global issue that humanity faces in our age. We can not despise any positive action against climate change let alone creating a hostile public opinion about these initiatives. This is irresponsible.

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Offsets Really Don't Reduce Emissions?

Not every offset necessarily reduce the emissions. They may also avoid new emissions. We have to bear in mind that global economy and world population is growing every year. Also needs of world is growing in a fast pace. Energy consumption is a simple and good example for this case. If there isn't new renewable energy sources developed to fill the energy consumption growth, then fossil fuel based plants with low OPEX will be replacing them.

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Renewable energy generation is more expensive compared to classic fossil fuels based energy generation. That's why we have Voluntary Carbon Credit (VCC) system to support these projects so they can be sustained. Not only energy, but also other types of voluntary carbon credit generating projects are expensive and they would not be surviving or even starting, without the income from the carbon credit sales. When considering most of these projects are developed in developing countries, this also emphasizes the importance of incentivizing such projects.

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The system is like farming vegetables. Every year certain amount is harvested with certain effort.

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A Cap Set?

Voluntary carbon credits are voluntary as per their clearly explanatory name. Organizations may choose to participate in the system or not. If there is a cap that means there is an Emission Trading Systems (ETS). ETSs are regulated by a competent party. VCCs does not abolish the responsibilities coming from ETSs.

 

Voluntary and mandatory markets should not be confused as Mr. Oliver and his team did.

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Are There Any Bad Projects?

As Resorsus we support projects from the standards that have proven their commitment to the climate. Some projects they develop have more impact on climate and some have less... But in any case we provide our VCCs which have solid impact on climate change.

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Can Project Owners Can Also Be Developers?

Yes. A project developer may choose to own the project by themselves. They may choose to avoid an endangered forest from being extinct by holding the ownership of the area. It doesn't matter whether they own the land or not. The important part is that they protect the forest so trees can hold more carbon dioxide.

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Are VCC Markets Regulated Enough?

There are some projects that find the loopholes in the system and exploit it. It is not right to pick bad apples of the VCC system, which are in really in a minor amount, and generalize those examples to define all the VCC system that serves for the good of climate.

 

VCC is a new concept and settling down step by step. There are supervising third parties are being formed like ICVCM and VCMI to make sure that credits are harvested properly. These organizations getting more competent everyday. But in any case We also agree that the system needs more regulation and supervision. We also know that EU has plans to cover that area.

 

VCCs are new and we believe more the system grows, more regulations will be on place.

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Is Planting Trees Enough For the Climate Change?

Only planting trees to every corner of the world would not be sufficient to struggle against the climate change at the situation we are in. But since there is no other technology that is in commercial scale that does better than forests; still the forestation is the best instrument we have. 

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Suggesting the wildfires are a big risk for the forests is a big distortion of the truth. Yes there is a risk of wildfires but this is not the fault of trees but this is caused by humanity and also it is responsibility of humanity to make it right again.

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Claiming that trees have minor effect on climate change and belittling the ecology is a huge misleading of the public that can cause terrible consequences and again this is irresponsible.

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Summary

VCC system is not started by a single company in a one day. It is originated from Kyoto Protocol, followed by United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), then also recognized in Paris Agreement. Authorities encourage such positive approach to climate change.

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We have to bear in mind that these are voluntary ventures that has no legal obligation to participate. We may find the these initiatives insufficient but we can not blame the entities who does good -whether big or small-. 

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All in all VCCs are not the sole answer to solve the climate crisis but they are one of the best incentive systems that can help to fight the climate crisis.

 

We always have to focus on reducing our footprint. But remaining? Do everything we can to develop a sustainable future.

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With Our Sincere Regards

RESORSUS INTERNATIONAL

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