Climate change refers to a change in the “average weather” of an area caused by the unnatural warming of the globe. Average weather changes include all of the features that we typically associate with weather; temperature, wind patterns and precipitation. Climate change is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases as a result of anthropogenic (human) activities and can affect land, sea or air. The natural warming and cooling cycles on planet earth have been occurring for millennia. However, anthropogenic (human) sources of greenhouse gases contribute to the instability of the atmosphere causing weather patterns to be disrupted. This trend enhances the atmospheres ability to trap heat. In fact, the atmosphere contains 32% more carbon dioxide (CO2) than it did in the mid 1800’s

Global warming refers to the rise in the average surface temperature of the earth. The effects of this include the melting of glaciers and mountain show caps that are a large source of fresh water used for drinking and irrigation. Consequently, the rising of sea levels caused by melting ice sheets may cause coastal areas and islands become exposed to storm damage or potentially underwater. Climate change takes into account the alteration of regional climate characteristics and is more complex than global warming. Factors that contribute to climate change include humidity, precipitation, air pressure, and temperature. More specifically, changes in our climate may affect severe weather events, agricultural productivity, risk of vector-borne infectious diseases, and extinctions of higher level species due to loss of habitat. The global temperature has risen 0.6°C since the end of the 1800’s. There is concern in the scientific community that the temperature change from now to the end of the century will be roughly the same as the difference between now and the last Ice Age, which occurred 10,000 years ago, resulting in dramatic changes in temperature, weather patterns, water tables, land and biodiversity.

This question is up for debate among both politicians and scientists. There is strong evidence that supports the idea that human industry and fossil fuel use has contributed significantly to the creation of emissions. There are 6 Greenhouse Gases (GHG’s) that have been identified by the Kyoto Protocol, each of which have a carbon equivalent, or CO2e. These GHG’s are internationally recognized as the primary contributors of human induced climate change.

There are many different ways that humans influence our climate. As the human population continues to grow, the consumption of our natural resources and the pollution in the form of used materials, chemicals and emissions increase. This includes the combustion of fossil fuels, clearing of forests to make way for agriculture, and pollution of our water and air that effect biological activity.

The fight against climate change requires a commitment on behalf of all of everyone who contributes to the production of GHG emissions. By purchasing a carbon offset with Carbonzero, you can:

• Have a positive influence on the environment by neutralizing the emissions that you produce
• Save money by minimizing emission-intensive activities like reducing the amount of energy you consume or the fuel you burn
• Uphold your public image providing marketing potential
• Be sure that your investment is in the hands of capable assessors, funding ethical projects

Yes. The process of quantifying greenhouse gas emissions could not occur without a third-party to verify or validate the quantification methods. All of our offset projects are subject to third-party auditing and verification.

Additionally, Carbonzero’s internal record-keeping are up to date with industry best standards that are available to auditors upon request. Each tonne of carbon that is purchased through by consumers or organizations are serialized and registered both internally and on reputable offset registries.

Carbonzero takes pride in sourcing information provided by credible organizations such as the UNFCC, IPCC and the Government of Canada. Transparency is paramount to our company and we ensure our clients that we are using the most up-to-date data available. Visit our Carbon Emissions Calculator Methodology page for more details on the specifics of our methodology, or simply contact us.

Carbonzero provides clients with a variety of projects which are governed by various standards. Carbonzero’s Signature Portfolio which includes high-quality, ISO-based offsets in addition to CCBA and can build a customized carbon offset portfolio to meet your needs.

Carbonzero’s projects are:

• REAL — Emissions reduction or removal must be created by a specific project. The benefit must be real and reliably ascribed to a project activity — not theoretical
• QUANTIFIABLE — Must be able to precisely account for the tonnes of CO2 equivalent reduced or removed by the project.
• VERIFIABLE — Because of the value being placed on an intangible asset (one tonne of CO2 equivalent that is NOT in the atmosphere), one must be able to prove the reduction has occurred, and that it was the result of the project activity. All tenets of an offset must be audited before that offset is ready for use. Depending on the nature of the project, we select offsets verified to different standards, with priority currently given to ISO-14064-2 project origination standards, ISO-14064-3 project verification standards, VER+, and CCBA.
• AUDITABLE — Verification/Validation reports delivered by accredited 3rd party verifiers.
• REGISTERED — When possible, all projects are registered, serialized and retired publicly with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) CleanProjects, Markit, BlueRegistry or similar reputable project registries in order to avoid double-counting or the sale of offsets to more than one entity.
• CONSERVATIVE — In a similar vein to the requirement for verifiability, using conservative approaches to estimation, measurement and monitoring ensures that an offset is sound. One must always choose the path that does not lead to overestimation.
• PERMANENT — The beneficial action of an offset to the atmosphere must be durable and lasting. Offsets that result from reduced use of fossil fuels are often considered permanent by default. Because protection and restoration of forests and natural systems are also critical to stopping climate change, a variety of methods have been established to show permanence. Along with smart project design, the creation of a buffer pool of unsold offsets and/or the purchase of re-emission insurance can be utilized for this purpose.
• ADDITIONAL — The reduction or removal of greenhouse gasses by a project must be shown to be dependent on the expectation of revenues or removal of barriers caused by the fact that the project is being undertaken for offsets. This is to ensure that the offset really equals a true “-1” counterbalance to the pollution it is offsetting, rather than an emissions reduction that would have happened anyway. Projects must go beyond “business as usual” to generate offsets. The Additionality of all of Carbonzero’s projects is assessed using the CDM Additionality Tool.
• LOCAL — Climate change is a global problem but many wish to make their solutions local. Carbonzero has built capacity to source projects in the sectors and regions that suit our clients best. We supply ‘made-in-Canada’ offsets to our home-country clients, and are processing country-specific offsets for clients worldwide.
• FORWARD LOOKING — In addition to adherence to carbon market best practices, Carbonzero is committed to sourcing and developing projects that move climate change endeavours forward.
• PROVIDES CO-BENEFITS — Wherever possible, Carbonzero looks to maximize the value associated with socially responsible projects by selecting ones that have a direct and positive impact on their local communities to provide the highest value to our clients.
• ACCESSIBLE — Proponents must allow for annual visits to project sites, and spot check audits on available and sold offset volumes.