How do forests absorb carbon?
Trees and plants suck CO2 from the air through their leaves, split the molecule, release the oxygen and keep the carbon. The process is known as carbon sequestration (or drawdown) and is powered by solar energy. Trees and forests store most of the carbon in the form of wood. Carbon is also stored in the soil and litter as the tree grows. Well managed grasslands and pastures store carbon in the living plants and soil. So trees and plants use renewable, solar energy to move carbon from the atmosphere into the soil and vegetation.
Why do carbon offsets exist?
The Australian Government (and many other governments around the world) have set up a market for carbon credits. The market provides financial incentives for either cutting green house gases (GHG’s), or sequestering (drawing) GHGs out of the atmosphere.
CarbonFarms generates carbon credits which are issued by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER). These Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) are regulated by the CER, so members can be assured that the offsets are of the highest integrity and are making a genuine contribution to combatting climate change.
How are offsets verified?
CarbonFarms will model the carbon sequestered according to carbon modelling software developed by CSIRO. The software models the carbon sequestration capacity of a site based on its physical characteristics such as rainfall, soil type, aspect, slope etc., the species’ planted and the management techniques employed.
CarbonFarms must follow a CER approved methodology for modelling carbon. The CER will issue carbon credits once the project has been audited by an approved auditor. The project will continue to be audited during the life of the project.
What is silvopasture?
Silvopasture is a land use which combines trees and grasslands in a single management unit. It is an ancient technique which is making a comeback. In addition to the carbon sequestration from the trees and pasture, the system can also reduce emissions from livestock and provide a more humane environment for those animals. It has been ranked in the top 10 solutions for combatting climate change.
What will CarbonFarms properties be like?
CarbonFarms will create carbon gobbling grassy woodland. This comprises trees at approximately 5m spacings (coincidentally perfect hammock distance…), and healthy native grasslands.
In year 1, the property will be a sea of tiny seedlings and possibly (inherited) degraded pastures . Year on year, trees will grow, creeks will be fenced and native seed spread. By year 5, trees will be well above head height, native grasses should have taken hold, rotational grazing should be occurring and we will be considering our first cool burn.
Your emissions are probably higher than you think…
The science on climate change is clear - CO2 emissions are causing the planet to warm. But who is responsible for the emissions? The depressing reality is that it’s predominantly those of us living in wealthy nations - you and me. We create emissions through our comparatively high consumption of all kinds of products from food to energy to travel. Our superannuation funds and governments also create emissions on our behalf. We need to reduce our emissions, but that’s not enough, we need to draw our emissions back out of the atmosphere- that’s what trees do - they absorb CO2 and store it. CarbonFarms allows members to drawdown CO2 to reduce their personal contribution to climate change.