Reasons for offsetting

In 2007, the CO₂ emissions per capita were 10.2 tons in Germany. That is 2.4 tons less than the European average and more than twice the global average of around 4.4 tons of CO₂. In many developing countries, the CO₂ emission per capita is far lower. If the global warming is to be limited to 2°C max – the international community has chosen this as a goal – the emissions worldwide have to decrease immensely.

In the period of time of 2015 to 2020 at latest, the global increase of greenhouse gas emissions has to be stopped to annually go down afterwards by five percent at least.  Because emissions in the past and today are spread out so unequally, the nations the level of effort differs.

Emissions in Germany should be lowered by 2020 by 40 percent compared to 1990, by 2050 by 80 to 95 percent. This is demanding but feasible if everyone takes part. Political steps are necessary for example towards power generation to 100 percent from renewable energy sources.

But everyone can do a lot because many of our activities could be realized more climate-friendly. Whether organization, private person or church community: everyone should check how and where greenhouse gas emissions can be avoided or reduced. And what about the actually inevitable rest? There is Klima-Kollekte’s compensation!