CO2 compensation – a modern indulgence letter?

A topic that should be dealt with intensively.

Most modern means of transport, especially airplanes, run on fossil fuels. There is no alternative because there are no problem-free biofuels. So don’t fly? But how do I get to many regions of the world whose main economic activity is tourism, where entire families live from this source of income?

You can start by traveling for a longer period of time, but less often. And to avoid feeder and domestic flights as much as possible. And then there is CO2 compensation. It does not change the actual source of CO2 but can help reduce CO2 emissions elsewhere. By paying a voluntary climate protection contribution, airline passengers support the expansion of renewable energies or projects that limit CO2 emissions, especially in developing countries.

In many African countries, such as Nigeria or Rwanda, families cook on open fires. This leads to enormous wood consumption and complete deforestation, deserts are spreading. Wood is also a high-cost factor for families. Technologies such as efficient stoves use 80% less wood, burn cleaner, and women and children are significantly less exposed to harmful smoke. Less wood also means lower costs. In addition, the construction of these ovens creates local jobs and sources of income. Sun-rich countries, such as Senegal or Madagascar, are predestined for solar energy. Dependence on heating oil and diesel imports is reduced and jobs are created in the construction and maintenance of PV solar systems. In India, crop residues from mustard cultivation are used to generate electricity and in Kenya, biogas is produced from cow dung. In Honduras, a small hydroelectric plant is providing electricity to four villages whose power was previously regulated by wood and diesel generators, including voltage fluctuations and blackouts. Atmosfair.de supports these projects with the CO2 compensation paid. And a few more, which can be found on their homepage, for anyone who would like to find out more about this topic. And of course, you can not only compensate for the CO2 emissions from flights, but also those from land-based services.

“What we do today determines what the world will look like tomorrow.” – Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach

The world is looking forward to welcoming you.