How does the rainforest offset my CO2 emissions?

Our calculator and compensation project focuses on CO2 because it is currently the most tangible and measurable part of our ecological footprint. However, we must not forget that this is only one part of the equation, and that our climate as a whole - thus life on our planet - are at risk. Global warming is just one consequence of our interference with the ecological balance, but drought, floods, storms and other weather extremes are also part of climate change.

It's not enough simply reduce CO2 in the atmosphere. Even if we stop burning fossil fuels, we could not stop climate change if we continue to destroy carbon-rich ecosystems and important habitats. We need a real savior for the climate and biodiversity. The best part - we already have it. And we can't afford to lose it: the forest.

Currently, 30% of the Earth's surface is forested. Standing forests have many important functions for the climate and the environment. They prevent the erosion of nutrient-rich soils. Trees produce the majority of the oxygen essential for human life on a global scale, thus securing our foundation for life. Additionally, forests filter fine dust such as heavy metals, nitrogen oxides, and soot particles from industrial and vehicle emissions, cleaning the air. They also purify the water in streams and rivers.

Through the continuous evaporation of vegetation and the release of aerosols by trees, forests also generate the typical frequent rainfall. As a result, forests are responsible for a moist, cool microclimate, store vast amounts of water and act as our most important buffer against weather extremes and climate change. They are, in fact, the "Green Lung" of our planet. And last but not least, they are places of peace and relaxation.

Above all, these forests store more CO2 in their biomass, soils and peat bogs than is present in the entire atmosphere. If the forest is cut down, the carbon reserves stored in it are released into the atmosphere through the use of the wood and the decomposition of the branches, leaves and roots, returning as CO2. This CO2 acts as a greenhouse gas, accelerating global warming. Biodiversity is lost, and the lack of tree vegetation leads to significantly drier and hotter conditions. When carbon-rich ecosystems like forests and peatlands are destroyed, they release more CO2 than could ever be recaptured in a period of time relevant to humans.

For this reason, forests, especially ancient primeval forests, are our most important buffer against human-induced climate change when viewed globally. Yet every year, 13 million hectares of forest disappear, an area equivalent to the size of Greece.

Without the forest, our air would be too polluted, and rainfall would become less predictable. Water sources woulddwindle, 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. That's why we think it's time to say thank you to nature for all the free services we receive each day and without which life would be impossible. If we want to save the climate as a whole and life on our planet, it is not enough to sequester CO2 in new plantings sometime in the future or to reduce it through innovative technologies.

We need to say thank you and preserve all the remaining intact, carbon-high ecosystems that "gift" us every day.