What a year for individuals, organizations and businesses of all sizes who have stepped up for climate. Each day, new advocates are reaching out to Cool Effect for information on how they can reduce their emissions then offset what remains with carbon projects that have true impact. The loudest theme of 2021 involved the number of organizations making climate commitments by voluntarily making an impact in an area where they can:
- We partner with a business whose main purpose is to transport life-saving organs. They must use direct shipping which has the highest emissions. But they stepped up to account for it with offsets.
- We have multiple production companies that must adhere to industry and union requirements when producing the streaming content we love to consume. They have made great strides toward reducing waste and lowering emissions on set then voluntarily offset the rest.
- Our transportation partners are developing new fuels and switching to renewables. In the meantime, they are offsetting the rest to the benefit of both people and the planet.
- Our community of over 500,000 individuals also stepped up. The number of people purchasing a personal offset increased 317% in Q4 over previous quarters. Travel offset doubled at the same time. Donations directed toward our projects increased by 164% in 2021.
- Our global corporate partners are moving even faster toward decarbonization and we’re helping them achieve their net-zero commitments sooner.
And what is the end benefit of these efforts?
Of course, GHG reductions and momentum toward decarbonization. But for our projects, carbon finance is a lifeline.
The Giving Trees
In 2021, this project has grown to 120,000 farmers in 4 countries who have planted over 22,300,000 trees. In total 7,800,000 metric tons of CO2 have been sequestered over the life of the project. All while returning 70% of proceeds after costs to the farmers.
Watering the West
Foresters focus on sustainable forest management including thinning of trees. See first-hand the benefits and positive impact of proper forest management with this video of a portion of the Bootleg fire in South Central Oregon >> In 2021, these credits certainly did not go up in smoke.
Breath of Fresh Air
Now more than 1 million people benefit from cleaner air in rural Honduras. After 2 hurricanes and COVID, the project is at more than full capacity, building 1/3 more stoves than ever before. The project has also created 26 microenterprises and 212 jobs.
In 2022, we need to continue to reduce more and reduce faster. Please keep up the relentless pursuit of a cooler climate by building on the momentum of 2021.
Jodi Manning
VP Director of Marketing and Partnerships
Cool Effect Inc
PS: Please look for your tax email outlining your 2021 purchases on Friday, February 4.
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