Offsetting is a crucial part of moving to carbon net zero (value 6 of 94).  Offsetting means investing in the natural resources needed to absorb or sequestrate the carbon we’ve emitted. It gets a lot of bad press through dodgy certification schemes and emissions trading, and people argue we are simply paying to pollute.

And they’re right, we are paying to pollute. And we should pay to pollute. But that’s not enough: we have to systematically reduce emissions too. That won’t happen overnight, and offsetting protects natural capital now, not in decades’ time when it’s too late. 

Our longstanding offset partner World Land Trust focuses its work overseas and their Carbon Balancing programme not only offsets carbon, but protects priceless ecosystems and local people too. But don’t take our word for it, listen to WLT patron Sir David Attenborough …

We’re now researching local options too, right down to club level. And to get things moving, all clubs in the NECL get their first tonne of offset carbon bought for them by league sponsor Neutral Territory. We’ll be arm-twisting other leagues and competitions soon too. You have been warned!

And there’s more … By adding a time dimension to the 3D carbon calculator, clubs and their sponsors can offset their projected emissions in advance to maximise offset investment now. Even better, clubs can offset more than needed to become carbon negative. Watch out for the widget coming soon to celebrate this milestone.