Carbon Negative

Carbon Negative

Carbon negative refers to the state of reducing/removing more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than is emitted. This is achieved through activities such as carbon capture, reforestation, and renewable energy initiatives that prevent/remove or 'offset' CO2 emissions. Being carbon negative contributes to reducing overall greenhouse gas levels, helping mitigate climate change.

FAQs

What does it mean to be carbon negative?

Being carbon negative means preventing/removing more carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere than is emitted, effectively reducing the total amount of atmospheric CO2.

How can a company become carbon negative?

A company can become carbon negative by measuring a carbon footprint, and then funding certified offsetting projects that prevent or remove more emissions than they emit over a given period.

What is the difference between carbon neutral and carbon negative?

Carbon neutral means balancing emitted CO2 with an equivalent amount of offsets. Carbon negative goes beyond this, actively preventing/removing more CO2 than is emitted.

Why does carbon negativity exclude the other greenhouse gases?

Whilst strictly the definition refers to CO2 alone, most offsetting accreditation schemes (including Seedling's) involve offsetting all greenhouse gases, not just CO2.

Why is being carbon negative sometimes described as greenwashing?

Investing in high quality offsetting projects to become carbon negative is not in itself misleading or 'greenwashing'. Companies face criticism when they fund offsetting initiatives without attempting to reduce emissions.

Why is being carbon negative important?

If we are to achieve our collective global goal of Net Zero emissions as set out by the IPCC, funding verified offsetting projects will likely be key. Becoming carbon negative is a great way to have positive impact, alongside a focus on reducing their emissions.

What kind of projects can I fund to become carbon negative?

Examples include tree planting, funding renewable energy, enhancing soil carbon sequestration, and direct air capture technology. What is key is that projects are verified as high quality.

What role does technology play in achieving carbon negative status?

Technology plays a key role through advancements renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels, and carbon removal innovations like direct air capture (DAC).

How does reforestation contribute to being carbon negative?

Reforestation absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere as trees grow, effectively removing carbon and storing it in biomass and soil, helping to offset emissions.

What challenges exist in becoming carbon negative?

Challenges include the current high cost of innovative technologies like carbon capture, ensuring that carbon removal methods like afforestation are effective in the long term, and growing the supply of offsetting projects to meet global demand.