Business travelers often find themselves without alternatives, and flights become a necessity. Unfortunately, there is currently no carbon-free fuel available, so airlines resort to offset programs to compensate for CO2 emissions. However, these offset programs lack transparency regarding project selection, monitoring, and verification.
The harsh reality
An airline calculator reveals that flights from Helsinki to Hamburg and back generate approximately 200 kg of CO2 emissions. To offset these emissions, it is suggested that someone, somewhere, should consider planting 50 trees. However, this approach raises concerns about the long-term effectiveness and potential risks associated with relying solely on offsetting, such as the possibility of forest fires or flooding that could negate the benefits.
In certain cases, depending solely on offsets may inadvertently exacerbate aviation’s climate impacts. It is important to acknowledge the potential negative consequences, including the risk of green colonialism, where offset projects may not adequately address the root causes of emissions and instead create imbalances in the affected regions.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that certain offset projects, such as waste-to-energy initiatives in Turkey, forest degradation programs in Cambodia, and cooking stove projects in India, may not align with the preferences of Nordic customers. This misalignment raises doubts regarding the legitimacy and effectiveness of the generated offsets, emphasizing the need for more transparent and customer-centric offsetting solutions.
In summary, while offsetting can contribute to mitigating the environmental impact of air travel, it is crucial to critically assess the long-term sustainability and appropriateness of offset projects, considering the potential risks and ensuring alignment with customer preferences
What to do ?
We, as individuals and airlines, require immediate solutions that effectively address our emissions, rather than solutions that may or may not compensate for them after several decades.
It is imperative to have a reliable alternative that can be implemented promptly to tackle the climate challenges we face. One such alternative worth considering is Finnshield.
Finnshield presents a viable solution that offers immediate action and results in combating emissions. By implementing innovative technologies and sustainable practices, Finnshield strives to provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to air travel.
In contrast to long-term offsetting strategies, Finnshield aims to reduce emissions directly and enhance the overall environmental performance of the aviation industry. By prioritizing immediate action, Finnshield contributes to the urgent global efforts required to mitigate the impact of air travel on the climate.
In conclusion, instead of relying on uncertain long-term compensation, we should focus on alternatives like Finnshield that offer tangible and timely solutions to address emissions in the aviation sector.