ForTomorrow

The Ocean Race 2025: We’re all in the same boat

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:56:35 GMT

We were really looking forward to the weekend—even though we didn't have a clear idea of what to expect in Kiel. The only thing we knew for sure was that, as Planet Hero winners, we'd get to be there in person when the regatta set sail through several European countries. What we experienced then exceeded all our expectations. We learned an incredible amount: about marine conservation, the research behind it, and how professional sailors are making a vital contribution with all their heart and soul. And we now also know who the secret star of Team Malizia is. More on that below.

Sailing for climate protection

Back in Berlin, we look back on eventful days by the sea and inspiring conversations with dedicated climate activists. Seeing how many people firmly stand behind the motto "Climate Action Now" has given us new momentum—for the most important race that we, as humanity, must win together.

Connecting Europe—under this guiding principle, the regatta traveled through seven cities in seven European countries and brought together citizens, scientists, athletes, and policymakers at the Kiellinie (the harbor promenade in the city of Kiel on Germany's Baltic Sea coast) to advance protection and restoration of the oceans.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/the-ocean-race-2025-klima/ruth-von-heusinger-carsten-schildknech-rreeefs-zurich-fortomorrow-the-ocean-race.jpg" alt="Ruth von Heusinger, Ulrike Pfreundt, and Carsten Schildknecht are standing in front of the Zurich tent at Ocean Live Park, smiling at the camera." caption={<> A conversation with Carsten Schildknecht, CEO of Zurich Group Germany, and Ulrike Pfreundt of Rrreefs, who was also honored with the Planet Hero Award. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

"Nature is a genius - the ocean is an ally"

Before we visited Ocean Life Park over the weekend, politicians, researchers, and professional sailors shared their insights at The Ocean Summit on Thursday. "Nature is a genius—the ocean is an ally," said Prof. Dr. Katja Matthes of the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. The oceans store 30% of our CO2 and have absorbed about one-third of all human-made emissions since the beginning of industrialization. They also serve as the Earth's heat buffer and have absorbed about 90% of the additional heat from global warming—without them, it would already be much hotter on land.

But this buffering capacity is breaking down: warming, acidification, and habitat destruction are weakening the oceans—the weaker they become, the less CO2 they can absorb. "Ocean Health is Climate Health is Human Health," Matthes continued. For the sake of our health, we must therefore protect the oceans at all costs. And to understand how, we need knowledge: "There is no action without knowledge." That is why it is crucial that we collaborate internationally and across disciplines. Together, we can make progress on climate protection.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/the-ocean-race-2025-klima/ocean-live-park-kiellinie-fortomorrow-hannes-jaenicke-zurich.jpg" alt="Jule Friedrich and Ruth von Heusinger are standing in the Zurich booth. In the background, a screen is playing the explanatory video featuring Hannes Jaenicke." caption={<> At the Zurich booth, we shared our view on climate and marine conservation with other projects and introduced visitors to the ForTomorrow vision. The explanatory video featuring Hannes Jaenicke was a great help. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

Research on board—setting a course for the climate

"We sailors usually split a comb in two to save weight on board. Still, there was no question in our minds about whether to take the OceanPack—which provides important data to the scientists at GEOMAR—on board," said Rosalie Kuiper, skipper of Team Holcim-PRB, at the summit on Thursday.

The OceanPack is a mobile measurement system that continuously collects seawater samples while underway and records parameters such as CO2 content, temperature, salinity, and microplastics. This data is transmitted to GEOMAR in real time. The team led by skipper Boris Herrmann, Team Malizia, is sailing under the motto "A Race We Must Win. Climate Action Now." The crew's deep connection to the ocean—and thus their passionate commitment to climate protection—was palpable. They are using their media reach to raise awareness about the climate crisis and their time on the water to collect valuable data for research.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/the-ocean-race-2025-klima/boris-herrmann-vortrag-ozeanschutz-forschung-geomar.jpg" alt="Boris Herrmann is standing in front of a screen, holding a microphone. The screen shows his boat with the slogan Climate Action Now on the sail." caption={<> Boris Herrmann provides background on the crew's research work at GEOMAR. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

Lilli: Team Malizia's cutest ambassador

Here's something else we learned: Before you meet Team Malizia, you'll most likely first see a small female dog happily wagging her tail as she comes toward you. Just like during Jule's run the morning before the race, when she jogged past Lilli and Boris Herrmann along the Kiel Line.

The Big Day – Start of the Ocean Race Europe

The first surprise came first thing in the morning: at the hotel breakfast, we ran into the Arminia Bielefeld players. Ruth had a chance to chat briefly with captain Maël Corboz, who founded Goals For Tomorrow, the initiative where soccer players and fans donate to ForTomorrow for every goal scored.

Then we headed to the VIP area at Ocean Live Park, where we met and cheered on the crews before accompanying them to the boats for the Sailors Parade. We watched the start from the water, with a perfect view and plenty of adrenaline. The atmosphere was fantastic, even though a collision shortly after the start was a scary moment. Fortunately, no one was injured.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/the-ocean-race-2025-klima/the-ocean-race-kiel-startlinie-ndr-livestream-rreeefs-zurich-fortomorrow.jpg" alt="On a speedboat, a group of women huddle together to watch the live stream of the race's start on a smartphone." caption={<> Together with Zurich and rrreefs, also a Planet Hero Award winner, we watched the start live from a speedboat right at the starting line. The NDR livestream broadcast the event. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

Thank you to the Zurich Group Germany for inviting us as Planet Hero winners—and best of luck to Boris, Will, Justine, and Cole for the next stages of the Ocean Race Europe.

A Race We Must Win - Climate Action Now!

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/the-ocean-race-2025-klima/team-malizia-crew-boris-herrmann-the-ocean-race-kiel-startlinie.jpg" alt="The Malizia crew's boat, bearing the inscription A Race We Must Win, is sailing on the sea under a slightly cloudy sky." caption={<> The sailboat ‘Malizia' just before start. The crew remains on course today. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

The Paris Agreement: An Overview

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

On the 12th of December 2015, 195 countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement – a shared framework for global climate action. Its central aim: to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. Ten years later, progress has been made. Yet there is still a significant gap between the ambitious goals and their implementation.

The origins of the Paris Agreement

For over 30 years, the member states of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have been negotiating global climate policy at annual climate conferences (COPs). The Paris Agreement marked a turning point: it was the first agreement to involve almost all countries worldwide, industrialised and developing countries alike. Each country sets its own climate targets through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), outlining how they aim to reduce emissions. However, as recent political debates have repeatedly shown, and as the Federal Environment Agency currently reports (in German), implementation remains a challenge.

6 essential facts about the Paris Climate Agreement

1. A global approach: almost all countries are involved

The agreement commits both industrialised and developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions under a clear mandate: climate protection affects everyone and is therefore a shared responsibility. At the same time, the NDC system accounts for different capacities and responsibilities. Industrialised countries, for instance, are expected to support developing countries with know-how and financial resources. While there are no direct sanctions for missing targets, the "global stocktake" – a regular review of collective progress – ensures transparency.

2. Fossil fuels must be reduced further as a matter of urgency

The decision to move away from coal, oil and gas has been made, but implementation is slow. By 2030, renewable energy capacity is meant to triple and energy efficiency to double. Without decisive action, dependence on fossil fuels will persist.

Across the EU, emissions from industry, transport and buildings are being reduced, fossil fuels are being gradually replaced, and CO2 pricing through emissions trading (which we explain in this blog article is creating incentives for the use of clean technologies. This is where ForTomorrow comes in. How? You will find out at the end of this article. Electric cars, alternative drive systems and international regulations such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (short: BAM - we also have a blog article on this) are contributing to the achievement of these goals.

Key mechanisms at a glance

3. Global warming is not yet under control

Despite improved NDCs, current trajectories point to 2.3–2.5°C of global warming by 2100. The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2025 shows that the agreed targets are not sufficient to stay below the 1.5°C limit set out in the Paris Agreement.

Germany's climate check

Germany has already implemented a number of measures – expanding renewable energies, promoting energy efficiency, phasing out coal – in order to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreement. However, analyses by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) show that additional efforts are needed. The current projections of the UBA (in German) confirm that the 2030 climate targets would otherwise be missed.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/10-jahre-pariser-abkommen/UBA-Projektionsdaten-2025-ESR-Emissionen-Deutschland.png" alt="Graph from UBA's Greenhouse Gas Projections - 2025 publication: Germany faces a significant gap between actual ESR emissions and the targets set." caption={<> Graph from UBA's Greenhouse Gas Projections - 2025 publication: Germany faces a significant gap between actual ESR emissions and the targets set. </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="Federal Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) " creditURL="https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/treibhausgas-projektionen-2025-ergebnisse-kompakt" border={true} />

The <Dfn phrase=" Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR)" /> specifies how Germany must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in sectors outside the EU emissions trading system – e.g., transport, buildings and agriculture – between 2021 and 2030. The graph above shows a substantial gap between these ESR emissions and the targets.

4. Climate financing remains inadequate

The Paris Agreement relies on financial solidarity and stipulates that industrialised and emerging countries should support poorer countries so that climate protection can be implemented worldwide. As reported by the Federal Environment Agency, the original target of 100 billion US dollars per year was only reached for the first time in 2022. A new goal of USD 300 billion annually from 2035 has been agreed, but key details on how the financing will be realised are still unclear, which, according to the European Council, makes it difficult to implement the targets.

5. Cooperation and knowledge sharing promote progress

The agreement promotes capacity-building and measurement of emissions as well as education and training programmes. These elements are essential for the implementation of NDCs. International cooperation is growing through climate clubs and alliances focused on topics such as methane reduction or clean energy; platforms such as the Climate Club show how countries are working together. At the same time, social issues such as gender equality and the empowerment of indigenous peoples, are increasingly highlighted in UN reports as important elements of a just climate policy. As marginalised groups in particular often bear the brunt of global warming, their perspectives are crucial for fair, effective and sustainable climate solutions.

One of the greatest achievements of the Paris Agreement is quite simply that over 190 countries now submit their own NDCs. Many have significantly improved their monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of greenhouse gas emissions, in particular through the new, mandatory transparency framework under the supervision of the UNFCCC, which requires standardised reporting and quality improvements.

What has already been achieved

<DetailsGroup items={[ { body: "1. The share of renewables in global electricity generation has risen from 23% (2015) to 32% (2024).\n2. Wind and solar capacity has more than doubled worldwide.\n", summary: "Expansion of renewable energies" }, { body: "1. Global stock of electric vehicles increased from 1.2 million to >40 million (2023).\n2. The switch from combustion engines to electric cars is already reducing global CO2 emissions by millions of tonnes annually.\n", summary: "Electromobility & transport" } ]} />

Sources: UN Energy Transition Report 2025, Global EV Outlook 2024/2025

6. Why the 1.5°C limit matters

The 1.5°C threshold is critical. Exceeding it sharply increases the risk of extreme weather events, sea level rise and ecosystem collapse. At 2°C or more, heatwaves, floods, crop losses and conflict risks rise dramatically. The 1.5°C target is at the heart of the Paris Agreement, which sets this limit as a guideline.

You can find more background information, data and illustrative scenarios in our blog article What is the 1.5-degree target?, which explains why 1850 serves as the reference year and what overshooting the target would mean for our planet.

Climate-resilient mixed forest for Saxony: Afforestation in Oberlungwitz

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

On November 22, 2025, we were back in Oberlungwitz (municipality of Bernsdorf) in the Zwickau district. Together with the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SDW) Saxony, we reached an important milestone: the initial afforestation of a 2-hectare area, which began in spring, is now complete. A total of 8,375 trees have been planted. This new climate-resilient forest will grow to strengthen the region in the long term.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-oberlungwitz/Aufforstung-Erlen-Team-ForTomorrow.jpg" alt="Two adults work the snow-covered meadow with planting tools." caption={<> Afforestation is a team effort: Friedrich from the SDW and a local volunteer work on the snow-covered meadow. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

A Sunny Winter Day for 500 New Alders

The afforestation day showed off its best side: hoarfrost, blue sky, and bright winter sun. Full of anticipation, we set off from Berlin to Saxony. On site, we met Henrik Lindner and Friedrich Findeisen from SDW as well as local volunteers. With warm drinks and small snacks in hand, we headed to the planting area.

After a brief introduction, the work began: at the pink-marked spots, we used the so-called "handlebar tool" to open the soil, planted the young alders, and pressed the earth down. Despite a light snow cover, the soil was loose and easy to work – perfect conditions for the last 500 red alders, completing this year's planting section.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-oberlungwitz/Besprechung-Aufforstungsaktion-ForTomorrow.jpg" alt="Group standing together at the planting site. Crates with young trees and planting tools are ready." caption={<> Henrik Lindner from the SDW explains the planting technique: holes are made with the 'handlebar tool,' then seedlings are placed into the ground and covered. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

Why Alders? Climate Protection Along Waterways

The area planted in November lies directly along a natural stream meadow, a location that is difficult to protect with game fences. Red alders are ideal here because they are resilient to browsing and contribute to the health of the water: their leaves act as a natural filter, stabilize water quality, and create new habitats.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-oberlungwitz/Erlen-Aufforstungsaktion-ForTomorrow.jpg" alt="A volunteer carries a basket of young red alders down a slope." caption={<> A volunteer carries a basket full of young red alders down the slope to the planting area – ready for the next round of reforestation. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

A Mixed Forest Strengthening Climate, Soil, and Flood Protection

During a tour with Henrik Lindner, we received a small update on the development of the area that was planted in spring. The young mixed forest has established well overall: many elms, oaks, and cherries have grown despite the very dry summer. At the same time, some spots showed higher drought stress. SDW plans targeted replanting in these areas next spring to maintain diversity and fill gaps.

This interim summary shows that afforestation is not a one-time act but a long-term process of planting, caring, and adjusting – to create a forest that remains stable in the long term.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-oberlungwitz/Teambesprechung-Aufforstung-ForTomorrow-Sachsen.jpg" alt="Group standing on a snow-white meadow with young trees." caption={<> A shared view of the area reforested in spring: Henrik from the SDW explains the current condition of the stand. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

A New Forest for a Resilient Saxony

With a total of 8,375 trees planted on 2 hectares, a forest is growing in Oberlungwitz that will bring long-term benefits to the region. It protects the climate and soil, strengthens biodiversity, and improves flood resilience. And it shows what is possible when people take collective responsibility for our future.

Many thanks to SDW Saxony and all the dedicated volunteers who made this day possible!

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-oberlungwitz/Gruppenbild-Aufforstung-ForTomorrow.jpg" alt="Group cheering for a joint photo. Some planted young trees can be seen in the ground, with forest in the background." caption={<> All volunteers are thrilled about a successful and fun reforestation day under the best conditions! </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

50ZERO is now ForTomorrow

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

50ZERO enabled you to cancel emission rights to protect the climate. But at the start of 2022, 50ZERO ceased operations and handed over to ForTomorrow. Since then, we've been there for you, still offering effective climate protection and the opportunity to cancel EU emission rights together.

For a long time we worked alongside 50ZERO to promote climate protection, and we are extremely proud of this. Our collaboration has always been characterized by the highest level of commitment and trust.

Therefore, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the entire 50ZERO team. We are grateful for the important contribution they have made to climate protection. ForTomorrow will carry on their work and continue to effectively reduce and sequester CO2 emissions in Europe.

What you can do now with ForTomorrow

With us, your contribution to climate protection will have even more impact.

As with 50ZERO, you can effectively and securely cancel emission rights and reduce CO2. ForTomorrow offers the following options for this:

In addition, you can help us afforest climate-resilient mixed forests in Germany to offset CO2 long-term. You can find out how we do this here.

Would you like to cancel emission rights as well as afforest mixed forests? No problem, you can easily do so by selecting "Both" as the climate protection method on the donation form.

As a subscriber, you will receive our monthly impact report, in which we inform you about our progress.

And if you pay taxes in Germany, you can deduct your donation from your taxes with the donation receipt you'll receive from us. If you have any questions or would like to give feedback, please feel free to contact us at any time using our contact form.

Some background

Since the beginning of 2022, ForTomorrow has been managing the 50ZERO website and all its day-to-day operations. All emission rights that were decommissioned by 50ZERO have now been transferred to our Union Registry account. Last year, we shut down the 50ZERO website so that our small team can focus on the important climate protection work at ForTomorrow.

Why transfer and not delete?

Since past economic crises have led to a surplus of emission rights, the EU has used a process known as 'backloading' to withhold a large quantity of emission rights instead of auctioning them. They do this to keep the market stable. In addition, further emission rights are withheld each year if there is a surplus on the market.

These emission rights are transferred to the so-called market stability reserve and stored there. In 2023, 2.5 billion emission rights were permanently deleted from the reserve. In 2024, a further 381 million emission rights were deleted. How many emission rights are deleted depends on how many unused rights are in circulation. The more unused emission rights there are, the more emission rights are transferred to the reserve and subsequently deleted.

This is why we are not deleting the emission rights straight away. To the EU, it appears as if our emission rights are still in circulation, so they count the amount as available. We keep them until the EU no longer deletes emission rights. Only then do we delete the ones we hold. This allows us to achieve the greatest possible effect in terms of CO2 reduction.

Effective and secure CO2 offsetting

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/logos/seal-phineo-wirkt-de-gray.svg" alt="Logo of the PHINEO Seal of Approval in 2023, awarded to ForTomorrow. Effective! Tested and recommended. Effective project, high-performing organization 09/2023." caption={<> PHINEO Seal of Impact 2023 for ForTomorrow </>} sizePreset="halfText" float="right" filter={true} />

ForTomorrow stands for transparent and effective CO2 offsetting. For our efforts, we were awarded the independent PHINEO Seal of Impact (in German) in 2023. Furthermore, we disclose information about ForTomorrow in accordance with the Transparent Civil Society Initiative (in German). We are delighted that you want to continue supporting climate protection in Europe with us at your side.

Our climate needs us – with ForTomorrow, you are part of a movement that really makes a difference.

Join us in driving climate protection in Europe forward!

What is the best CO2 sink: German mixed forest or monoculture?

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:46:00 GMT

The 2022 Federal Forest Inventory, which was published at the end of 2024, presents a report on the status quo of forests in Germany. What the media has made of this is particularly worrying. According to the evaluation, forests are increasingly no longer CO2 sinks. Instead, in net terms, they are becoming CO2 emitters. However, this conclusion only refers to the net balance and does not take into account the fundamental role that forests continue to play in climate protection.s

Single-species (or monoculture) forests that have been severely damaged by pests such as the bark beetle in recent years have lost their ability to bind CO2. However, forests in general remain an important CO2 sink.

Climate-resistant mixed-species forests in particular offer enormous potential for long-term CO2 sequestration. The conversion of monoculture forests to climate-stable mixed ones could decisively contribute to maintaining our forests as natural carbon absorbers, while also strengthening their resilience to the challenges of climate change.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/wald-deutschland-co2-emittent-oder-senke/harz-abgesaegte-baeume-1.webp" alt="Dead pine wood and felled trees in the Harz Mountains" caption={<> Monoculture in the Harz Mountains </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="Florian Rebmann" filter={true} />

Forests in Germany: CO2 emitter or CO2 sink?

The results of the 2022 National Forest Inventory made headlines, giving the impression that forests in Germany are increasingly emitting CO2. However, this balance refers exclusively to the net value, which measures the difference between CO2 sequestration and losses due to pests, drought and storms.

In fact, forests in Germany continue to bind large amounts of CO2. However, this sequestration is not sufficient to achieve the ambitious climate target set by the German government for the agriculture and forestry sector. The negative trend in recent years is mainly due to the spread of monocultures, since these types of forest stands are heavily burdened by climatic changes and pests, which considerably limits their ability to store carbon.

Monocultures weaken the forest's role as a CO2 sink

Particularly in the case of monocultures, the net CO2 balance looks less good because these types of forests have suffered considerably from pests and extreme weather conditions in recent years. Monoculture forests are less resilient to climatic changes and can no longer fulfill their function as CO2 sinks. This is a direct consequence of intensive management and a lack of diversity in tree species.

The German forest as a CO2 sink: why the forest itself is not the CO2 emitter

It is important to emphasize that forests are not CO2 emitters per se. Forests continue to play an indispensable role in climate protection. Mixed forests are particularly important in this respect. Even though many forest stands are suffering from the consequences of climate change, there are still numerous forests that bind CO2. It is the conversion of more vulnerable monocultures into climate-resilient mixed forests that has the potential to turn forests back into stable CO2 sinks. Through the targeted afforestation of climate-resilient mixed forests, the potential of the forest as a CO2 sink can be effectively expanded in the long term.

Planting mixed forests strengthens the CO2 storage function of the forest

Afforestation with climate-resilient mixed forests is crucial in order to preserve the German forest as a CO2 sink in the long term. The targeted conversion of monocultures and the reforestation of damaged areas with a diverse mixture of deciduous and coniferous trees not only increase the resilience of the forest, but also its ability to bind CO2. Only through structural diversity and near-natural management can the forest withstand the increasing stress caused by extreme weather, pests and drought. However, the 2022 Federal Forest Inventory makes it clear that the net CO2 sequestration of German forests is not yet sufficient to achieve the targets of the Federal Climate Protection Act. The climate targets for the LULUCF sector state that 25 million tons of CO2 are to be sequestered annually by 2030. Afforestation with mixed forests is therefore a key measure for meeting the climate targets.

Mixed forests are the key to a climate-stable forest

Mixed forests increase CO2 sequestration and make German forests more adaptable to the consequences of climate change. Different tree species such as beech, oak, Douglas fir and birch complement each other in the ecosystem, which strengthens biodiversity and reduces the risk of large-scale failures due to pests or extreme weather conditions. Compared to monocultures, which suffer greatly from current climate conditions and release CO2, mixed forests are a robust and sustainable solution. Their diversity makes them an effective CO2 sink - today and in the future. The consistent conversion to climate-stable mixed forests is therefore a key to securing the forest in Germany as a natural ally in climate protection.

The forest remains our most important ally in climate protection

The recent National Forest Inventory results present the net carbon footprint of Germany's forests as less effective than it really is. Despite the challenges, forests should not take a back seat as climate protectors. On the contrary. It is crucial that the conversion to climate-stable mixed forests be recognized as a long-term solution. Quick results are difficult to expect due to the slow growth of trees, especially outside of coniferous forest monocultures.

Nevertheless, the solutions of forest conversion and the afforestation of climate-resistant mixed forests must be pursued further. The potential of forests as a CO2 sink is enormous. And at the same time a fundamental pillar for climate protection.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/wald-deutschland-co2-emittent-oder-senke/oderstausee-bad-lauterberg.jpg" alt="Deciduous trees in the fog" caption={<> Mixed forest at the Oder reservoir </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="Florian Rebmann" filter={true} />

Forests have an amazing ability to recover and regenerate if they are given the right conditions. This requires decisive action and a legal framework to secure Germany's forests as reliable CO2 sinks.

A strong federal forest law could set the course for a more sustainable and climate-friendly forestry sector. Only with sustainable management and an increase in mixed forests can we exploit the full potential of forests in the fight against climate change.

The time to act is now - for the forest and for our climate. Mixed forests are the key to preserving our forests as CO2 sinks and promoting biodiversity. If we manage and protect the forest properly, we can secure a future worth living for us all.

Thank you for this wonderful birthday party!

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Together with our supporters, many climate protection enthusiasts, friends and the betahaus community, we celebrated our 5th anniversary. It was a truly enjoyable summer party with great people, good conversation, lots of laughter and delicious treats!

To kick things off, our founder Ruth von Heusinger shared the story of how ForTomorrow was founded and gave us an insight into the past five years of ForTomorrow's existence. Some of the material was very moving, some very personal, and all of it was inspiring. In a relaxed atmosphere, we talked about climate protection, sustainability, and everything that matters to us and to you.

To refresh us, there was delicious vegan ice cream from Paletas (link in German), which not only delighted our young guests. We toasted with Sekko Soziale (link in German) and the eco-friendly wine from ZUKUNFTSWEINE (link in German) not only complemented ForTomorrow's goals, but also paired perfectly with the tasty vegan buffet. And of course, a birthday cake was also a must.

Thank you to everyone who was there with us and to betahaus for providing a space to grow and celebrate. We would especially like to thank Dante Busquets, who volunteered his time to capture many wonderful moments of the evening, and Jonathan Goudefroy, who also sent us photos.

The party has reenergised and motivated us to continue working with passion and enthusiasm for the next five years to ensure a future worth living. We are already looking forward to our next event, with many familiar and new faces from our wonderful ForTomorrow community.

Why do we plant forests exclusively in Germany?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:26:23 GMT

Afforestation (planting new forests) is an important tool in the fight against the climate crisis worldwide. But where trees are planted can make the decisive difference between simple greenwashing and truly effective climate protection.

While projects outside Germany, especially in the Global South, often focus on mass and speed, afforestation in Germany scores points for its long-term nature, control, and multiple benefits-ecological, social, and legal. Afforestation projects that are close to home generally allow for better tracking and measurement of the development and impact of the growing forest.

Here are five reasons why afforestation is particularly effective in Germany

Reason 1: Legal protection for lasting impact

In Germany, the Federal Forest Act ensures that newly created forest areas are preserved over the long term. After storms, fires, or clearing, reforesting is legally mandated. This means that afforestation is not a short-term symbolic project, but is permanently secured by law and monitoring. Studies show that legally protected forest areas build up higher carbon stores in the long term and thus contribute to stable climate protection measures.

Reason 2: Effective climate protection that's measurable

Young, growing mixed forests in Germany bind an average of around 10 tons of CO2 per hectare per year. This effect has been scientifically documented, for example by the Federal Forest Inventory. The inventory provides detailed data on current forest development. This ensures transparent traceability of the climate impact of local afforestation projects and guarantees a measurable, real contribution to climate protection.

Reason 3: Stable, climate-resilient forests instead of fast-growing monocultures

The practice of afforestation in Germany increasingly focuses on native tree species with high genetic and structural diversity. This creates climate-resilient mixed forests with, for example, oak, red beech, larch, and wild apple trees. These mixed forests are more resistant to storms, drought, and pests, and they promote biodiversity. Long-term studies confirm that forests rich in biodiversity are not only more resistant to extreme weather, but also exhibit greater ecological stability and productivity.

Reason 4: Local ecological benefits

Forests in Germany improve soil and water balance, filter air pollutants, and provide habitats for many animal and plant species. Forested areas allow significantly more rainwater to penetrate into the ground than, for example, farmed fields. According to studies, this is around 2.5-4.5 mm/m² per precipitation event. This is roughly twice the amount compared to intensively used farmland and helps to build stores of groundwater and prevent flooding. These landscape and water functions have a direct impact locally - unlike projects on other continents.

In addition, forests contribute significantly to reducing particulate matter pollution. Leaf surfaces bind particles and significantly improve air quality.

Reason 5: Social benefits

Forests in Germany not only serve to protect the climate, but also provide opportunities for recreation, education, and health promotion. In urban areas, they create cooling effects, places of retreat, and a better quality of life. Studies show that spending time in forest areas on a regular basis reduces stress levels, strengthens the immune system, and promotes mental health.

Why we plant forests domestically

Afforestation in Germany means:

Legal certainty
Measurable climate benefits
Stable, climate-resilient forests
Ecological added value
Social added value

Afforestation in Germany complements global measures, but is particularly efficient and transparent at the local level. Those who plant here not only ensure CO2 sequestration, but also bring about true, long-term change.

Do you have questions?

Feel free to ask them under our posts on LinkedIn or Instagram!

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-leubsdorf/einfuehrung.jpg" alt="Gruppe Erwachsene und Kinder mit Baumpflanzspaten schauen auf einem Mann in Orange-Grüne SDW-Jacke." caption={<> Another great thing about afforestation in Germany is that we can plant the areas together with our community and local people. We can also monitor them ourselves in the long term. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

Can roadside trees offset the CO2 emissions from traffic?

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

We recently received this inquiry: "How many trees would have to be planted along German roadways in order to absorb all traffic emissions? In cities, for example, every homeowner could plant at least one tree in front of their house."s

Of course, car exhaust is not only harmful to the climate. Exhaust contains particulate matter and volatile organic compounds that penetrate deep into the lungs when inhaled, causing various respiratory diseases and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. We cannot compensate for these problems by planting trees. But this article focuses only on the climate. Our calculations show that even if all roads in Germany were completely planted with trees, unfortunately they would still not have sufficient power to absorb all the CO2 emissions currently caused by traffic in the country.

Here is our back-of-the-envelope calculation

The most recent estimate published by the Federal Ministry for the Environment of the total annual CO2 emissions from road traffic in Germany is 148.5 million tons.

ForTomorrow estimates that across all tree species, one tree stores an average of 25 kg of CO2 per year. If we divide 148.5 million tons by 25 kg, we estimate that about 6 billion trees that would be needed to absorb the CO2 emissions of German traffic in one year. This is only a rough estimate. The actual absorption capacity of a tree varies over the course of its life. A more precise calculation would require, among other things, an estimate of the age of the trees in question, which is too complex for this analysis.

How many trees can fit on German roads? According to the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs, the total length of roads in Germany is estimated at around 830 000 km. If we multiply this figure by 2 to take both sides of the road into account, we arrive at 1 660 000 km, or 1 660 million meters.

For the sake of simplicity, we assume that trees need a distance of 3 meters from each other to grow. (This is actually too close for many tree species. Although when planting, it is common to leave only 70 centimeters between seedlings, as it is expected that not all of them will grow to their full size.)

This results in the following calculation: 1 660 million meters divided by 3 equals 533 333 333. That is over half a billion trees that could be planted along German roads.

Please note that this is a rough and relatively high estimate. There are many places on German roads where trees cannot be planted. These include driveways, intersections, and narrow areas that are completely paved with sidewalks.

Even if we could plant half a billion trees along the roads, that's only about 9% of the 6 billion trees that would be needed to absorb all the CO2 emissions from transportation that we calculated above.

Planting trees is nevertheless an effective solution

The question of whether fully planting our roadsides with trees can solve the problem of traffic emissions is still a good one. It helps us to understand the scale of our emissions problem and the power of trees to solve it.

It also helps us to recognize the power of collective action: if all property owners in the country planted one tree for every three meters of their street property, together they could absorb 9% of Germany's annual CO2 traffic emissions. Not insignificant! On average, every person in Germany produces around nine tons of CO2 emissions per year. In order to stay below 1.5 degrees global warming, this amount must be reduced to one to two tons.

Large-scale afforestation can be a good way to restore the balance between CO2 emissions and CO2 sequestration.

A new threat to our climate: AI

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is more accessible than ever. With tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Luma and other generative AI (GenAI) services, we can easily have text, images, and videos created. However, with every new GenAI development, the energy costs and carbon footprint are rising. As more and more people are embracing these technologies, it's important to understand the significant environmental toll they're taking.s

AI's energy demands

If data centers were a country, they would have been the 11th largest electricity consumer in the world in 2022. By 2026 they could be bumped up to 5th place. One of the reasons for this huge increase in electricity consumption by data centers is generative AI.

GenAI requires huge amounts of computational power, which is supplied by data centers running 24/7. These centers store and process vast amounts of data, consuming substantial amounts of resources like water and electricity. Between 2022 and 2023, as the demand for AI grew, Microsoft reported a 34% increase in the water consumption of its data centers. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that data centers consumed nearly 2% of global electricity in 2022. Their 2024 report shows that this demand is expected to double by 2026. This year, they reported that by 2030 data processing, mainly for AI, is likely to require more electricity than the combined manufacturing of steel, cement, chemicals, and other energy-intensive goods.

As more companies integrate GenAI into their services, this ever-growing energy demand brings with it a massive environmental cost.

AI's CO2 emissions

While companies aren't transparent about the exact amount of carbon emissions resulting from AI activity, we do know that the increase in AI usage is driving up emissions. Google's 2024 environmental report showed a 48% increase in emissions compared to 2019, largely due to rising energy consumption in their data centers. Other tech giants like Microsoft have also reported higher energy usage as they focus on expanding their AI capabilities.

So how much CO2 does AI actually produce? The full extent remains unclear. Let's start with how much energy AI consumes, which can be divided into three stages.

1. Training of AI models

The training of an AI model involves vast amounts of data, stored and processed in energy-hungry data centers. For example, training a model like GPT-3 requires about 1 300 megawatt hours of electricity and releases 552 tonnes of CO2. This is the equivalent to the yearly energy consumption of 130 average homes. The bigger the AI model, the more energy is needed.

2. Using AI models

After the initial training, the model is ready for users. While a single request might seem small, it has a larger carbon footprint than a regular web search, as it requires 10 times as much energy. If everyone used ChatGPT instead of a regular search engine for their queries, that alone could add up the equivalent of the emissions produced by 38 passenger planes flying back and forth between London and New York: 7 200 tonnes. Every day! Or almost 7 million people per year.

3. Storing data

Whether it's AI-generated content, emails, or videos, all data we produce needs to be stored in data centers. The IEA estimates that in 2022, data centers consumed around 460 TWh of energy, which accounted for roughly 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By 2026, this number is expected to more than double, as AI demand continues to grow.

The major players in AI and their energy commitments

Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and Google are the leading providers of the cloud infrastructure that powers AI. Before the AI hype started, these companies committed to running their data centers on 100% renewable energy by 2030. With growing power consumption, it's unclear how they're going to meet that goal. Firstly, despite their green promises, they are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels to meet their energy needs. What's more, as AI activity has grown exponentially, these companies' energy usage has increased at a similar rate. There is simply not enough clean energy to meet demand. So even if these companies were to use only green energy, other sectors would have to make do with much less. The only clear solution, therefore, is that all industries must significantly reduce their energy consumption.

AI's impact on climate efforts

AI's growing energy demands pose a real threat to the climate, as it could reverse the energy savings achieved in recent years. In many developed economies, efficiency gains have been essential in lowering energy consumption and emissions.

Since it can take up to 9 years to get renewable energy sources like wind or solar farms connected to the grid, the rapid expansion of AI-driven energy demand is likely to be met by the most readily available energy: fossil fuel sources.

In the US, for instance, coal plants are being kept online to meet the surge in energy demand from data centers that need to operate around the clock. This development could severely undermine global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and to phase out coal and gas.

What can be done to mitigate the impact?

There are several things that can be done to help minimize climate damage from AI-related CO2 emissions.

1. Making reporting mandatory

The National Engineering Policy Centre (NEPC) recommends that companies be required to disclose energy and water consumption, as well as CO2 emissions related to AI development and usage. Greater transparency will help us understand and address the environmental impact of AI.

2. Regulating AI energy use

We need regulation to minimize the impact of AI and data centers on the energy system. In addition to mandatory reporting for companies, which will provide the necessary insights, agencies like the IEA need to make practical recommendations to governments on how to regulate.

3. Using renewable energy sources

Though major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft, and Google have made promises in terms of renewable energy goals, there's still a long way to go. Clean energy needs to be used across all sectors, including AI. However, with Trump ordering coal plants to remain open in a move to address the energy demands from data centers, tech companies may lack incentive to make good on their promise. Governments will have to step in to hold them to it.

4. Improving data center efficiency

Optimizing AI systems and adopting more energy-efficient technologies, like liquid cooling, can significantly reduce energy consumption. These innovations can help limit the environmental toll of AI.

5. Using AI more mindfully

We, as users, can also take responsibility. For example, by using traditional search engines for simple queries instead of relying on energy-intensive AI systems. Being more conscious about how we use AI can help limit its environmental impact.

Can AI help the climate transition?

Some believe AI could play a big role in tackling climate change. They say it can help identify vulnerable regions, inform climate policies, and boost sustainability efforts. The World Economic Forum even claims AI can make energy systems, transportation, and urban planning more energy efficient.

While these ideas sound great, it's still very unclear how AI will make them a reality. It often seems more like part of a marketing narrative than a clear roadmap for action. Meanwhile, fossil fuel companies have already implemented AI systems to pump more oil out of wells that were previously considered depleted.

What's been clear for decades, though, is what causes the climate to change. What is also very clear is what we need to do to address it: cut down on CO2 emissions and absorb more. Scientists have agreed on this for many decades and this should be the real goal.

Moving forward

The environmental impact of AI needs to be carefully managed. This will require much more regulation, increased energy efficiency, and a shift to renewable energy sources across all industries. If we let AI continue to expand unchecked, we could see its carbon footprint spiral out of control, undoing years of progress in avoiding and mitigating the climate emergency.

Community afforestation in Leubsdorf

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 09:39:31 GMT

On Saturday the 12th of April 2025, our sixth afforestation event took place. This time, we were in Saxony and with the help of dedicated supporters we took another valuable step towards climate protection.s

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-leubsdorf/einfuehrung.jpg" alt="Gruppe Erwachsene und Kinder mit Baumpflanzspaten schauen auf einem Mann in Orange-Grüne SDW-Jacke." caption={<> Die Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald gibt eine Einführung in die Welt des Bäume pflanzens. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

The Conservation Association for German Forests provides an introduction to the world of tree planting.

During this event, we planted around 500 trees on one of the five areas that we are afforesting this spring. A total of 6,000 trees will be planted on the 1.3-hectare site. The trees planted there include species that are suitable for the location, such as:

Larch
Sycamore maple
English oak
Hornbeam
Small-leaved lime
Wych elm

These trees will not only absorb CO2, but also make a valuable contribution to biodiversity and create habitats for numerous animals and plants.

We are proud to have afforested a total of 5.85 hectares of forest in Saxony this spring – a groundbreaking measure to combat climate change and protect our ecosystem. Every tree counts, and each of us can make a difference. This day has once again shown how valuable it is to take action together.

Photos from this beautiful day

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-leubsdorf/carla-anja.jpg" alt="Using a special spade, two women plant a sapling" caption={<> The first trees are being planted. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-leubsdorf/kinder-gruppe.jpg" alt="People of various ages working on a field with planting spades. Two children in the foreground." caption={<> People of all ages worked hard. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/aufforstung-leubsdorf/pause.jpg" alt="People chatting around a table with food and drinks" caption={<> Refreshments were a must. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

Thank you

A big thank you to everyone who joined us on this journey! We are proud of what we have achieved together and are already looking forward to the next planting event!

We're celebrating five years of climate protection

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

This month we are celebrating our fifth birthday!s

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/geburtstag/fortomorrow-team-with-birthday-cake.jpg" alt="The ForTomorrow team has a cake on the table. There is a purple number five on the cake." caption={<> With a slice of cake, as you can see! </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

Officially, ForTomorrow was founded earlier, but it was five years ago that we received our first donations. On the 19th of March 2020, to be precise. That day, we received two subscription donations for climate protection. In the first year, these two subscriptions financed the decommissioning of 13.5 emission rights as well as 55 trees, which are currently growing in new mixed forests in Germany. A lot has happened since then, and we couldn't be happier.

From those initial two supporters, we have grown to over 2,200 supporters today. Together, we have decommissioned 23,329 emission rights and purchased over 89,958 trees, of which 78,390 are already growing in new forest areas in Germany. As a result, 43,219 tonnes of CO2 have been offset.

The ForTomorrow team is deeply touched and thankful for every donation and for every person and company that supports our mission to advance climate protection in Europe.

What's in store for the next five years?

Our mission for the future remains clear: we are wholeheartedly committed to actively stopping climate change together with our supporters. We will continue to create new forest areas in Germany every year and buy emission rights away from industry. And that is only the beginning!

Together, we will expand our systemic approach to advancing climate protection through the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). In addition to ETS 1, which we already use to drive down emissions from coal power plants, industry, aviation and shipping, we will also offer ETS 2 to reduce emissions from buildings and transport from 2027 onwards. By our tenth anniversary in 2030, we will be offering our services in other EU countries.

What's more, we're expanding our donation options to include biochar (German) as an option for long-term Co2 sequestration in the soil.

This will strengthen our long-term mission to offer everyone simple ways to have a positive impact on Europe's carbon footprint. At the same time, we will inspire lasting, environment-friendly change and work with you to shape a sustainable future.

We look forward to the journey ahead and are grateful to everyone who has supported us over the past five years and will do so in the future!

What is additionality in climate protection?

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:47:05 GMT

The concept of additionality is of fundamental importance in climate protection and CO2 offsetting. Carbon offsetting is only effective if the climate protection project you are supporting would not have been realized without your support. In other words, the project only exists because you are supporting it.s

What does additionality mean in the context of climate protection?

<Dfn phrase="Additionality" /> in the context of climate protection means that climate conservation measures must be additional to what is already planned and expected. For example, because it's legally required and the law is properly enforced.

It is about ensuring that the measures actually achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and do not simply replace or undermine existing climate protection activities.

For example: imagine a hydropower plant somewhere in the world. This plant is usually profitable and finances itself. Using it to offset your carbon footprint would therefore not be additional. The plant finances itself. No additional CO2 is saved here. The plant would run regardless of your contribution and the CO2 would be saved anyway. This is a classic example of no additionality.

At ForTomorrow, on the other hand, additionality is the main principle guiding our approach. We only plant forests in places where no forests would otherwise be created. We buy emission rights away from the market. If we didn't buy away these emission rights, no one would. With your support, we prevent companies from using emission rights and emitting CO2. This is how we additionally and measurably save CO2.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/additionality-climate-protection/additionality-definition.svg" alt="A diagram showing a hand with coins and an arrow pointing towards two trees. Underneath, the text says "You donate" and "A climate protection measure is taken that otherwise would not exist"." caption={<> Additionality in climate protection means that you finance a climate protection measure that would not exist without your support. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

Why is additionality important in CO2 offsetting?

CO2 offsetting is about the compensation of greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as afforestation or the cancellation of emission rights.

It is important that these projects are carried out in addition to those that are already taking place, otherwise no additional reduction in emissions would be achieved.

What role does additionality play in the evaluation of climate protection measures?

Additionality plays an important role in the evaluation of climate protection measures. It is used to ensure that the measures actually achieve an additional reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and do not simply replace or undermine existing climate protection activities. This helps in ascertaining that the climate protection measures are effective and achieve maximum impact.

How can you ensure that climate protection measures are actually additional and do not simply replace existing activities?

To ensure that climate protection measures are additional and do not merely replace existing activities, they must be evaluated in reference to a baseline scenario. This baseline scenario, also known as the reference scenario, shows what would have happened if the measure had not been implemented. If the measure results in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that is not already included in the baseline scenario, then it is considered additional.

What are examples of additional climate protection measures?

Buying and cancelling emission rights

At ForTomorrow, we buy CO2 emission rights away from industry and set them aside to get cancelled so they can no longer be used. Every emission right we buy and cancel means one tonne less CO2 in the atmosphere. The number of emission rights released by the EU is capped each year.

We reduce the total number of CO2 emission rights available on the market. As a result, using up a tonne of CO2 becomes more expensive for industry. Large CO2 emitters then have an incentive to switch to renewable energies in order to save CO2.

If you want to know more, please read our article on EU emissions trading.

Planting forests in Germany

At ForTomorrow, we also plant climate-resilient mixed forests in Germany. This is how we remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

As of today, in the summer of 2025, ForTomorrow has planted over 100 000 trees. You can find the exact locations of our climate forests on this map. For more information, please read our article about afforestation.

Sustainable consumption: fair and reusable for change

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:36:11 GMT

Reusable cups here, pasta straws there, shoes made of rice paper, and phone cases from ocean plastic. New start-up ideas like sustainable confetti rain? Cool. But does it really make a difference? At ForTomorrow, we think it does and are happy to put the topic in perspective for you.s

The Impact of Sustainable Consumption

Sustainable consumption has evolved from a niche market to a significant trend in recent years. More and more people are choosing products that are reusable and fairly produced. But how substantial is the actual impact of these decisions? And most importantly, how does sustainability influence our purchasing decisions?

Reusable products in everyday life

Reusable products like water bottles, coffee cups, and cloth bags have the potential to significantly reduce the consumption of single-use plastics. Disposable products are not only a burden on the environment but also generate immense amounts of waste. By choosing reusable alternatives, each individual can contribute to waste reduction and conserve the Earth's resources.

Fair production: What does that actually mean?

Fairly produced products go one step further. They ensure that the people who produce them are paid fairly and work under safe working conditions. This applies in particular to textiles and food, where working conditions are often poor. By buying fairly produced products, you are not only supporting the environment, but also social justice. In this post are some terms that should still be approached with caution.

Social Alternatives: Transparency and trust

One company that is particularly committed to sustainable consumption is Social Alternatives. This firm thoroughly researches companies that produce sustainably and fairly and offers listings of these companies. Through their work, Social Alternatives creates transparency and makes it easier for consumers to make trustworthy and ethical purchasing decisions. Their directory of sustainable companies is a valuable resource for anyone looking to make their consumption more conscious and responsible.

The Long-Term Benefits of Sustainable Consumption

In the long term, sustainable consumption leads to a reduction in environmental pollution and better utilisation of resources. Reusable products and fairly produced goods help to reduce the ecological footprint and promote a more sustainable economy. Every small step we take towards sustainability adds up to a big positive impact on our planet. This is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 12, which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Sustainable Consumption for a Better Future

Sustainable consumption and the use of reusable and fairly produced products are not just a trend but a necessity for the future of our planet. Each individual can make a difference through conscious purchasing decisions.

Sustainable consumption is not only possible but also urgently needed. Let's start today.

What does ESG mean?

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 13:44:50 GMT

You've probably heard the abbreviation ESG before. It is often used in connection with companies. ESG stands for Environmental, Social and Governance. Simply put, ESG is an indicator of a company's sustainability. A so-called ESG score or ESG rating is used to see how sustainable a company is. Read on to learn more about ESG.

Definition of ESG: What does Environmental, Social, and Governance mean?

The abbreviation ESG was first mentioned in 2006, when the United Nations published a report entitled "Who Cares Wins." It was in this report that the three letters ESG appeared for the first time.

Behind the abbreviation lies a clever idea: companies should become more sustainable. But the exciting thing is that ESG not only stands for environmental and climate protection, but also for social issues and good corporate governance.

Companies that seriously integrate ESG criteria into their strategies not only have a positive impact on the environment and society, but can also ensure long-term economic success. The definition of ESG goes beyond purely financial indicators and emphasizes the responsibility of companies towards the environment and society.

Why is ESG so important?

The integration of ESG factors not only improves a company's reputation, but also ensures long-term financial stability and resilience to risk. More and more investors are recognizing the value of sustainable corporate governance that integrates environmental and social aspects. By taking ESG criteria into account, companies can strengthen their risk management and achieve positive effects on the environment and society at the same time. ESG is therefore not only an ethical obligation, but also ensures long-term financial stability and competitive advantage. Incidentally, companies that are serious about implementing these criteria can also enjoy a stronger connection with their stakeholders and a better reputation in the long term.

ESG criteria and standards

A look at ESG criteria and standards shows how companies make their decisions.

The definition and application of these criteria are important for the success of ESG initiatives worldwide. Integrating ESG criteria into business practice is a big step towards more sustainable management and a positive impact on society.

We have summarized questions one can ask about ESG:

The ESG rating of an industry ranges from 1.0 to 9.0. A score of 1.0 means the lowest risk for the performance of the industry, compliance problems, social disadvantages and reputation. A score of 9.0 indicates the highest risk. All factors in the rating are equally weighted.

How ESG is implemented within companies

Implementing ESG factors in a company is an important step step towards sustainable business practices. Companies should incorporate ESG data and take concrete steps to achieve these goals.

The ESG reporting obligation ensures that companies regularly and transparently communicate on their progress and challenges. With effective ESG management, companies can set long-term goals and develop solutions to make a positive impact. For example, companies can decide to reduce their CO2 emissions or enhance fair working conditions. In order to achieve these goals, companies use ESG solutions such as the integration of renewable energy or sustainable supply chains.

ESG data is collected through regular reviews and, if desired, through the use of software. Ideally, such ESG software should include the following: data collection, analysis, and centralization; help wizards; risk assessment and management; target tracking; and the inclusion of all stakeholders.

This much we can tell you: in-depth knowledge is always necessary to implement legally-compliant ESG sustainability reporting. And we have mentioned only a few of the standards that SMEs (small and medium enterprises) are "affected" by in the area of sustainability.

ESG Reports and Certification

Companies strive for ESG certifications to demonstrate their commitment to responsible business practices. These certificates serve as proof of quality and signal a commitment to sustainable practices to stakeholders. An ESG certificate can increase the value of a company and strengthen investor confidence.

We have summarized the most important advantages of ESG certification for you:

ESG strategy for companies

A key trend in the area of ESG and sustainability is the increasing integration of ESG criteria into corporate strategies. This development is being driven by growing regulatory requirements, increasing investor demands and the heightened environmental awareness of consumers.

Regulatory requirements will be tightened in the coming years. Governments around the world are working on new regulations that require more comprehensive reporting and greater transparency with regard to ESG practices. Companies must prepare for stricter controls and possible sanctions for non-compliance. These requirements will turn ESG criteria from a "nice-to-have" into a "must-have".

So we know that ESG will play a central role in future corporate governance. Managers must integrate ESG aspects into their decision-making processes in order to minimize risks and maximize opportunities. ESG is therefore not just a trend, but an essential component of modern corporate management.

Outlook: The future of ESG

Overall, it can be said that emissions trading is an important step towards successful climate protection.

Emissions trading works well - but not fast enough if we want to achieve the 1.5 degree target. We have known since before the last IPCC (UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report that we need to become CO2-neutral much sooner than 2050, otherwise we face global warming of over 1.5 degrees, with serious consequences.

At ForTomorrow, for example, we buy emission rights from coal-fired power plants. These plants are then allowed to emit less CO2. In this way, we are reducing the permitted amount of CO2 that can be emitted in the EU and protecting the climate. We want to make the EU climate-neutral before 2040. You can offset CO2 with us and help us achieve our goal.

How do you calculate your Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:46:33 GMT

If you deal with greenhouse gas emissions, you have probably already heard the terms scope 1, scope 2 or scope 3. Scopes play a particularly important role in CO2 analysis for companies or carbon offsetting. So what do they stand for?s

What does scope 1, 2 and 3 mean?

In the context of CO2 emissions, a scope refers to the area of application.

The terms scope 1, 2 and 3 have their origins in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol of 1998. Since recording CO2 emissions can be complicated, a greenhouse gas accounting standard was created in 1998: the GHG Protocol.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or GHG Protocol for short, was drawn up by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

The aim is to create uniform standards for companies on how they can measure and report their CO2 emissions. This has resulted in the current categorisation of emissions into three groups: scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3.

What does each scope entail?

CO2 scopes help to categorise companies' CO2 emissions correctly. Scope 1 includes emissions that are produced directly by companies. This could be the company vehicle fleet or a coal power plant that burns coal to generate electricity.

Scope 2 comprises CO2 emissions that arise from the use of energy. Companies cause these emissions indirectly as they do not produce the energy themselves, but they purchase it. This includes electricity, heating and cooling. If your company produces the energy itself, the resulting emissions count as scope 1.

Scope 3 are emissions that are not produced by your company directly and don't fall under scope 2. These can be CO2 emissions caused by business travel or waste management.

Which emissions are included in scope 1?

Scope 1 includes CO2 emissions that are produced by companies directly. For example, if a company produces electricity by burning coal, the resulting CO2 emissions belong to scope 1. A company's vehicle fleet also belongs to scope 1.

Calculating scope 1 emissions is relatively straightforward for companies as they simply need to determine the CO2 emissions of the fuels burnt on site. As the quantities of fuels are already known to the company, scope 1 emissions are generally easier to assess.

Which emissions are included in scope 2?

Scope 2 covers electricity, district heating, steam or cooling energy in buildings and in electric vehicles. Also the emissions in this category can be calculated, as the company is aware of the volumes involved.

Which emissions are included in scope 3?

Scope 3 emissions are all CO2 emissions that are related to the company but cannot be allocated to either scope 1 or scope 2.

These include CO2 emissions generated in rented flats, emissions produced in connection with waste disposal and those resulting from business trips by employees. Basically, these are CO2 emissions that are not caused directly on site, but are generated when using the goods that were produced or when carrying out certain services.

Scope 3 emissions are divided into 15 categories. There are "upstream emissions" and "downstream emissions" in scope 3.

Downstream emissions	Upstream emissions
1. Purchased goods and services	9. Downstream transportation and distribution
2. Capital goods	10. Processing of sold products
3. Fuel- and energy-related activities	11. Use of sold products
4. Upstream transportation and distribution	12. End-of-life treatment of sold products
5. Waste generated in operations	13. Downstream leased or rented assets
6. Business travel	14. Franchises
6. Commuting	15. Investments
8. Upstream leased or rented assets

Do companies have to publish their scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions?

The CSRD specifies which companies and how companies must report on sustainability.

If companies are required by the CSRD to report on their sustainability movements, they must disclose their greenhouse gas footprint.

ESRS E1 is part of the CSRD directive and in turn specifies exactly what must be reported.

The EU and Germany want to be climate-neutral by 2050, and the majority of emissions are generated in industry. Accordingly, politicians are very interested in knowing the scope 123 emissions of industry.

The greenhouse gas balance

First of all, you need to check whether your company has to publish a CO2 report. As of 2024 under the new CSRD reporting obligation, companies with more than 500 employees must submit a CSRD-compliant greenhouse gas balance sheet.

This reporting obligation, however, is now being gradually extended and will also affect smaller companies by 2028 at the latest.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol

Scope emissions in the greenhouse gas report are based on the GHG Protocol, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. As described above, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol divides the emissions of companies into three areas: scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol also specifies which scope emissions must be included in a company's balance sheet. Previously, companies only had to disclose their scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. Now, however, scope 3 emissions must also be included in the greenhouse gas balance sheet.

Where can you find support for calculating scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions?

If you would like to calculate your scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions and are looking for support, please reach out to our partner company www.viacero.earth or contact andreas@viacero.earth directly.

If you would like to offset scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions, please use our form or contact us at: business@fortomorrow.eu.

What evidence is there for climate change?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 12:53:04 GMT

Climate change is one of the most important issues of recent years. People are taking to the streets to demonstrate in favour of more climate protection. But climate change is not a new issue. Researchers have been collecting evidence of man-made climate change for decades. This blog post aims to give you a factual overview of the current state of research and summarise the most important evidence for climate change.

Why does human-made climate change exist?

There is a consensus in 99.9 per cent of all studies on the subject that man-made climate change exists. These studies consider the emission of greenhouse gases to be the main cause of the climate crisis. Greenhouse gases are, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2024/beweise-klimawandel/global-co2-emissions-per-year-1800-2024.svg" alt="Line chart with the exponential increase in global CO2 emissions since 1800" sizePreset="bigText" filter={false} caption={<> Daten from Global Carbon Budget (2025), with major processing by Our World in Data </>} creditName="" creditURL="" />

These greenhouse gases develop when oil, coal and gas are burned. Crude oil, coal and gas are chemically simple carbon compounds. This means that the burning of one kilogramme of coal, for example, produces 3.67 kg of CO2 (German). When this CO2 is released into the atmosphere, it does not simply disappear instantly. It remains there for decades or centuries.

The greenhouse gases prevent heat rays from the sun getting back into the atmosphere, which means this heat remains on Earth. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect and is considered proof of climate change. The greenhouse effect is currently celebrating its 200 year anniversary.

The mathematician and physicist Joseph Fourier said as early as 1824:

Thus the temperature rises by intervention of the atmosphere. Heat in the form of light enters the air unhindered - but is then prevented from returning after it has been converted into heat.

In theory, the more greenhouse gases we emit, the more our planet warms up. Greenhouse gas emissions are constantly increasing.

If the greenhouse effect is to be regarded as proof of climate change, we must now demonstrate that the climate is changing as a result of increased CO2 emissions.

How does the greenhouse effect prove man-made climate change?

First, let's look at whether increased CO2 emissions really lead to more CO2 in the atmosphere. After all, it is possible that the CO2 quickly dissipates again.

The fact is that the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is constantly rising. Our air contains more and more CO2. In 2022, there were 40 billion tonnes of CO2 in the atmosphere. And this figure only refers to CO2. Other greenhouse gases such as methane are not taken into account. From this we can conclude that CO2 is indeed in the atmosphere.

Now, in order for this to be considered proof for climate change, we must first prove that there is a direct link between more CO2 in the air and a rise in temperature on Earth.

What evidence is there for climate change?

Proof of man-made climate change: the rise in temperature

The more CO2 humankind emits, the higher our temperatures become.

Research has now shown there is a link between the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and rising temperatures on Earth.

Some sources report that we are already experiencing global warming of over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

These 1.5 degrees are important because a permanent temperature rise of 1.5 degrees has serious consequences for all life on Earth.

However, the rise in temperature is not the only evidence of the climate crisis.

Proof of man-made climate change: the melting of glaciers

The Earth's glaciers are melting. This is often cited as proof of climate change.

As can clearly be seen in the photo on the left, the glaciers are melting. But is this actually proof of climate change?

Yes. While some local weather phenomena also influence the melting of glaciers, the main culprit is the change in the Earth's temperature.

As the glaciers melt, the sea level rises, which brings us to the next piece of evidence for climate change.

Proof of man-made climate change: sea level rise

Naturally, higher temperatures on Earth are also causing the polar ice caps and other ice sheets to melt. This causes fresh water to enter the oceans leading to rising sea levels.

Water is densest at 4 degrees Celsius, which means it takes up the least space at this temperature. When you heat the water, it expands. Water with a temperature of 20 degrees takes up more space than water that is only 10 degrees. So the warmer the water in the oceans, the more space it needs.

The IPCC report states that with average greenhouse gas emissions, sea levels will rise by 0.44 - 0.76 metres by 2100. You can read more about sea level rise on our blog.

Proof of man-made climate change: extreme weather events

It seems easier to link the climate crisis to droughts and heatwaves. In the future, there will simply be more hot days and fewer cold ones.

This is because the average temperature is shifting to the right in the graph. There will be more hot and extremely hot days but fewer colder days. You can find out more about extreme weather and the climate crisis on our blog.

But it's not just heat waves that will increase, heavy rain and thunderstorms will too.

Climate change is also responsible for heavier rain showers. The warmer the air, the more water it can store. For every additional degree, the air can absorb 7% more water droplets - more water that can then pour down heavily elsewhere.

We also have to be prepared for more severe thunderstorms. Scientists have proven that the frequency of lightning in the Alps, for example, has almost doubled in the last 40 years. Higher temperatures and more water in the atmosphere lead to more thunderstorms.

To summarise: In the 21st century, the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing significantly in Europe due to climate change. While only double-digit numbers of extreme weather events were measured at the beginning of the 20th century, this figure rose to 1,452 extreme weather events in 2019.

Let's take a look at counter-evidence to climate change

But isn't the greenhouse effect good for Earth?

Yes, the natural greenhouse effect is good for our planet. Without it, human life would not be possible. Also CO2 is important. Without CO2, plants could not exist.

The problem, however, is the mass emission of CO2 in an incredibly short period of time. Of course, Earth will recover from this after a very long time. After all, the CO2 that we emit will be degraded again in many hundreds of years.

For us humans, however, the climate crisis is now becoming an immediate concern. If we miss the 1.5-degree target, it will have irreversible consequences for all life on Earth.

Our goal should be to take smart steps now to protect life for present and future generations. At present we have the opportunity to act in an economically, ecologically and socially sustainable way to build a climate-friendly future.

Hasn't the climate always been changing?

Yes, it has always fluctuated - even before humans existed. But the high level of CO2 emissions caused by humans is unprecedented in the history of Earth. Specifically, humankind has released enormous amounts of sequestered CO2 into the atmosphere in a very short space of time by burning coal, gases and fuels. Of course this is changing our climate.

But doesn't it still snow sometimes?

Climate is not the same as weather. We use weather to describe whether it is raining today or tomorrow, how warm it is or if it is snowing. Climate refers to weather phenomena over a very long period of time. We often compare decades or even centuries.

Climatic changes are gradual, but they happen. And once they have occurred, we can't turn back time (German).

Summary of the evidence for climate change

We all wish climate change didn't exist. But it does. Every day we emit huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere and warm the Earth's climate.

Science has shown in several ways that climate change is here and it will present us with completely new challenges.

At the same time, we now have a great opportunity: if we manage to solve the climate crisis, we will emerge stronger.

More CO2-friendly products and services, renewable energies and a healthy environment can be our focus. We now have the chance to pave the way to a climate-friendly future.

Every tenth of a degree makes a difference.

CO2 offsetting for businesses: What is important in 2026?

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Climate protection is becoming increasingly important for businesses and organisations. Of course it is important to reduce emissions. However, as most companies currently have residual emissions, even after reducing their carbon footprint, the concept of CO2 offsetting is an appealing option for businesses. In this blog post, you can find out what companies should bear in mind.

What does CO2 offsetting mean to a business?

In order to keep human-made global warming in check, the EU has defined climate protection targets. The European Parliament has decided that the EU should be climate-neutral by 2050.

To achieve these climate protection goals, there are several sub-targets for industry. Put simply, the carbon footprint of companies needs to improve. Since 2023, large corporations are obliged to publish a sustainability report. This obligation is also referred to as the CSR-directive.

Many businesses have therefore already started to reduce their CO2 emissions. In those areas where they are not yet able to reduce completely, CO2 offsetting is an option.

Other companies simply want to make a financial contribution to climate protection and choose to take advantage of the possibility of CO2 offsetting.

For which businesses is CO2 offsetting a suitable choice?

When companies have already explored all options of reducing CO2 emissions as much as possible and would like to offset their remaining emissions, CO2 offsetting is a good option.

CO2 offsetting is also an option for businesses that would like to make a meaningful contribution to climate protection.

A CO2 offset for companies means that excess carbon emissions are offset by supporting a CO2 offsetting project that removes exactly the desired amount of carbon from the atmosphere.

How does CO2 offsetting for businesses work?

CO2 offsetting for businesses works by supporting a climate protection project in the amount of CO2 emissions to be offset. The project then removes this CO2 from the atmosphere for you.

For example, if you would like to offset 100 tonnes of CO2, you donate a certain amount to ForTomorrow. For this amount, we will then plant 250 trees as part of a forest in Germany and decommission 50 EU emission rights.

Since we take CO2 from the atmosphere and reduce CO2 emissions in the EU by the same amount as you produce, you are cancelling your CO2 emissions with us.

Is it even possible to make businesses CO2-neutral?

In 2023, the EU banned companies from advertising CO2-neutral products. The reason for this is that businesses are usually not CO2-neutral, just like most products.

If you are offsetting your CO2 emissions for your company, you must always bear in mind that these CO2 emissions are offset with a time delay.

We work very fast at ForTomorrow. So far, we can say that we have planted a mixed forest for you, for example, no later than one year after your donation. We know that many projects need a lot longer to do this. And yet we cannot say that we have immediately made your business or product CO2-neutral.

Every product generates CO2 during production. Subsequently, these emissions can be effectively offset. Nevertheless, the product is probably not CO2-neutral at the time of sale. Even wood is not CO2-neutral. When you burn it, CO2 is released. It takes many years for a tree to grow back. At the moment of burning, the wood heats up the climate.

Also the mixed forest that we plant needs to grow first. And it needs time to do so. We calculate that over 80 years, five trees can remove one tonne of CO2 from the air.

It's quicker with emission rights. As soon as they have been decommissioned, the climate protection effect is immediate.

In summary: advertising with "carbon neutral" labels

We cannot recommend CO2-neutral labels for carbon offsetting at companies. Since CO2 offsetting takes time, products are never immediately CO2-neutral. We therefore recommend that you are honest in your claims. It is better to talk about your commitment to climate protection and state the specific amount of CO2 that you are offsetting for your company or product.

Which CO2 offsetting projects are suitable for businesses?

It is important to be very strict when selecting a climate protection project for your company's CO2 offsets. Effectiveness is key. A climate protection organisation must always be able to prove the effectiveness of their projects.

We can recommend the following basic checklist:

How does a business communicate its CO2 offsets in a credible manner?

First of all, support carbon offset projects that are effective. Pay attention to additionality when offsetting CO2. The rule here is: better to do it right the first time, than risk being accused of greenwashing later on. No matter how good your marketing is, you will not be able to communicate away poor climate protection.

Transparency is the be-all and end-all when it comes to CO2 offsetting as a company. Be open about how you offset CO2, show your certificate and engage in dialogue with your customers.

Create a central point of contact for those visiting your website. You could, for example, set up a landing page where you present your commitment to climate protection.

Do not use empty phrases like "CO2-neutral", but communicate honestly how many tonnes you have offset for a product. Publish the CO2 emissions generated during production.

Don't worry. As long as you are honest and authentic, your climate protection approach does not need to be perfect. Just show that you are serious and want to improve.

CBAM - What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism?

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 13:48:00 GMT

CBAM stands for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. In this article, you will learn what the CBAM is and which companies are affected by it.

What does CBAM mean?

<Dfn phrase="CBAM" /> Stands for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Behind this unwieldy name lies an intelligent system devised by the EU. The system applies to the import of goods into the EU.

When products produced in non-EU countries are imported into the EU, a screening process determines if they were produced in accordance with European climate standards (in terms of CO2 emissions). In other words, it is determined if an appropriate compensation payment has been made for the CO2 emissions involved in producing the goods.

If this is not the case, a CO2 price is levied at the border for the import of such goods.

What is the purpose of the CBAM?

The CBAM is a protective instrument for the European economy.

The EU has introduced the CBAM so that European companies that commit to climate protection and pay a CO2 price are not put at a disadvantage to their non-EU competitors. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme applies to European companies in the coal, metal, cement and lime, and chemical industries.

Companies in these industries pay a CO2 price via EU emissions trading if they produce goods with CO2 emissions. In order to operate sustainably, this increases the production costs for these companies in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in the short term. Of course, these production costs will fall again in the long term if they switch to more environmentally friendly production and emit less CO2. This is the aim of EU emissions trading - to promote a sustainable economy as a guideline.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/cbam-carbon.jpg" alt="Graphic about how the CBAM works." caption={<> The CBAM aligns the CO2 price for products in the EU </>} sizePreset="halfText" float="right" creditName="civilsdaily" filter={true} />

Now you might think that if companies in the EU pay a carbon price and companies in non-EU countries do not, then that is unfair. After all, if companies from other countries import goods into the EU and do not produce sustainably, they can charge lower prices. This is a difficult situation for European companies. They might then consider relocating their production to other countries to compensate for this disadvantage. This is called carbon leakage.

The CBAM was created to prevent this from happening. All products imported to Europe must now pay the same CO2 price. This means that European companies are no longer at a disadvantage, and can offer their products competitively on the international market. If the CO2 price for a product from another country is only 10 euros, but is 75 euros in Germany, then the difference must be paid at the border. This means that the non-European company's CO2 price will increase from 10 to 75 euros (when selling in Europe).

Which products are affected by the CBAM?

The following product groups are affected:

Iron and steel
Aluminum
Cement
Fertilizers
Electricity
Hydrogen
Some upstream and downstream (especially iron and steel) products

By January 2030, it will be evaluated whether chemicals and polymers and other downstream products are also affected by CBAM.

As you can see, these are the same energy-intensive product groups that are covered by EU emissions trading. This ensures that companies that participate in EU emissions trading do not suffer any disadvantages on the EU market.

How does the CBAM work?

Determine emissions Companies participating in the CBAM must prove how many CO emissions were generated during the production of their goods. This means that they must document the carbon footprint of their goods in detail.
Purchase CBAM certificates Companies must purchase certificates in the amount of their calculated carbon footprint.
Present CBAM certificates These certificates must be presented at the border. Otherwise penalty duties will be charged.

When does the CBAM take effect?

The CBAM is being rolled out in stages. The first phase, a pilot phase, started on 01.10.2023 and will run until 31.12.2025. Only the reporting obligation applies in this phase. Payments do not yet have to be made. The aim of this phase is to gain experience.

The CBAM will take full effect in 2026. Starting then, companies will have to acquire the necessary certificates.

The three most important steps towards CBAM implementation are:

October 1, 2023: The transition phase starts (CBAM reporting obligation)
January 1, 2026: CBAM starts in full, i.e. the cost burden increases over the following years
2034 (estimated): Full cost burden

Conclusion on the introduction of the CBAM

The CBAM ensures fair competition. It ensures that imported goods pay the same CO2 price as goods produced in the EU.

The CBAM helps to protect the economy in the EU. Different climate regulations in other countries are aligned with European standards through the CBAM.

Mohammed Chahim, Vice-Chair of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament says about CBAM (December 2022):

CBAM will be a crucial pillar of European climate policy. It is one of the few levers we have to incentivize our trading partners to decarbonize their manufacturing industry. Moreover, it is an alternative to our current carbon leakage measures. This makes it possible to apply the polluter pays principle to our own industry. A win-win situation.

Doughnut Economics: On Planetarian and Social Boundaries

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 13:58:33 GMT

The Earth moves around the sun in the "habitable zone". If we were closer, we would burn. Too far away and our planet would be a ball of ice. The doughnut model is based on the idea that the Earth itself also has limits: planetarian and social. We must not go beyond the planetary limits or below the social ones. Doughnut economics describes what the habitable zone looks like in a system in which social and ecological balance prevail.

Admittedly, the doughnut as an unhealthy and sugar-laden food is not the best way to visualise a sustainable economic system. But it is an image that sticks in people's minds. And that was what the creator, economist Kate Raworth, was aiming for when she presented the model in 2012.

A compass for balanced prosperity

The doughring of the doughnut in the model represents the habitable zone. If we exceed our planetary boundaries (psst: we already do), we are, figuratively speaking, moving closer to the sun. It will get too hot. This manifests itself in melting poles, rising sea levels, storms and fires and much more. On the other hand, social boundaries such as education, nutrition, access to healthcare, gender equality, etc. must not fall short, as this leads to social coldness.

The ring of the doughnut defines the framework within which we should act if we want to live on a healthy and fair planet. A framework in which we scale back our transgressions of the planet's boundaries. And at the same time help people out of the hole in the centre of the doughnut and into the safe and just space of humanity.

Higher, bigger, further - the problem with eternal growth

Economic growth as we know it has brought us to where we are today: in crisis mode. Quite simply because our resources are limited and our planet has climatic boundaries. I could go on for hours about the connection between colonialism, natural resources and exploitation, but that is really a discussion of its own.

The doughnut model proposes to replace economic indicators with ecological and social ones. The measurement or calculation of the habitable zone is based on nine dimensions of the ecological ceiling and twelve dimensions of the social foundation.

The nine dimensions of the ecological ceiling

Climate change
Ocean acidification
Chemical pollution through waste generation
Nitrogen & phosphorus loading through excessive fertiliser use
Freshwater withdrawals
Land conversion
Biodiversity loss
Air pollution
Destruction of the ozone layer

The twelve dimensions of the social foundation

Water
Food
Health
Education
Income & work
Peace & justice
Political voice
Social equity
Gender equality
Housing
Networks
Energy

According to this model, growth would then describe the growth of people's well-being. A revolutionary idea? Unbelievable even? This is precisely the problem. We have internalised the mantra of constant external growth to such an extent that we have perhaps neglected to look inwards. Changing the way we think starts in the mind and requires courage.

Amsterdam: from inventing capitalism to doughnut-pioneer

It is remarkable that Amsterdam, of all places, has become the pioneer of doughnut economics. Remarkable because it is a logical development. The 'Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie', the Dutch East India Company, was founded there in 1602. It was the nucleus of capitalism. About 400 years later, in 2020, the Amsterdam region launched a concept developed with Kate Raworth. Some of its components are:

Reducing CO2 emissions
Securing basic needs
Conserving resources
Switching to solar and wind energy

Now it's clear why we at ForTomorrow are such big fans of the model and the municipality of Amsterdam: we are on the same team. Our approach is to buy up and decommission EU emission rights. If you would like to help us keep Earth in the habitable zone, you can do so here.

How high are Germany's carbon emissions per capita?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:01:55 GMT

Germany is one of the world's leading industrialized countries, and has contributed significantly to global warming in recent decades. Electricity generation accounts for the largest share of CO2 emissions in the country. The use of lignite and hard coal, among other things, results in an annual 9.1 metric Tonnes of CO2 emissions per capita in Germany.

What does CO2 emissions per capita mean?

CO2 emissions per capita refers to the amount of CO2 emitted by one person in a given population, if total emissions were distributed equally across all individuals. CO2 emissions per capita is often used to measure the ecological footprint of a person or a country and to compare them.

Per capita CO2 emissions are calculated by taking the total amount of CO2 emitted by a group of individuals or a country, and dividing it by the number of people in that group or country.

CO2 emissions per capita can be calculated for a specific year or a specific time period. You can include direct CO2 emissions from the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas in the calculation, and alternatively also add indirect emissions that result from the production of goods and services, land use and deforestation.

The results of these calculations are typically expressed in Tonnes of CO2 per person, and are used to compare the environmental impact of different countries and regions and to develop policies for reducing CO2 emissions.

Germany's per capita CO2 emissions in 2020

The German Federal Environment Agency states that the per capita CO2 emissions for 2023 in Germany are 9.1 tonnes. This currently puts Germany well ahead at EU level.

If we look at CO2 emissions per capita by country, we are at the bottom of the league in the European Union.

What are Germany's per capita CO2 emissions comprised of?

The largest share of our CO2 emissions per capita is consumption, which accounts for 4.42 Tonnes of CO2 per year. Consumption refers to new electronic devices, clothing and other items we buy. Transportation, heating and food are the next largest categories.

The Data comes from the Federal Environment Ministry. Composition of CO2 emissions per capita in Germany:

How high are CO2 emissions per capita in other countries?

Europe's (EU27) CO2 emissions per capita are 7.4 Tonnes annually. CO2 emissions per capita worldwide were 4.97 Tonnes in 2018. CO2 emissions per capita worldwide increased 67 percent between 1990 and 2018.

Germany's per capita CO2 emissions rank in the middle of the world. Many countries in Europe already have lower per capita CO2 emissions than Germany.

Austria emits 8.2 Tonnes of CO2 per capita. Switzerland emits 4.8 Tonnes. CO2 emission per capita in Sweden is only 4.7 Tonnes, while in Malta the figure is a mere 4.1 Tonnes.

CO2 emissions per capita in the EU

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/Greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the European Union.png" alt="List of the co2 emissions per capita for the european union " caption={<> German CO2 emissions per capita lie in the middle range </>} creditName="Statista 2023" border={true} />

How much CO2 does a person emit each day?

If we assume an average CO2 emission of 8.8 Tonnes per person annually in Germany, then the country's daily CO2 emission per capita is slightly more than 24 kg CO2.

This means that through our behavior, each of us emits an average of 24 kg of CO2 per day in Germany.

Isn't it true that until China reduces its CO2 emissions, we can't make a difference no matter what we do?

An argument that is too often used in debates. People like to use China as an excuse to evade responsibility for more climate protection. Is it true that China is doing nothing to protect the climate? No. China started its energy transition a long time ago.

China has immense CO2 emissions, it's true. What is forgotten, however, is that per capita CO2 emissions in China are actually lower than in Germany. The country's high CO2 emissions are mainly due to the size of China's population. For the year 2020, CO2 emissions in China amounted to 10.96 billion Tonnes of CO2. However, 1.411 billion people lived in China in 2020. If we divide China's CO2 emissions by its population, we arrive at 7.77 Tonnes of CO2 emissions per capita.

In recent years, China has made considerable progress in expanding its renewable energies. Each year, the country installs 4 times as many wind turbines and solar panels as the rest of the world combined.

China also has the largest emissions trading system in the world. Their system was launched in 2021, and 2,200 Chinese companies are required to participate in it. It is similar to the EU emissions trading scheme, which we at ForTomorrow use to protect the climate.

Of course, not everything is perfect—China is also pushing ahead with the expansion of coal-fired power plants, and power shortages and blackouts remain. But the argument that China is doing nothing for climate protection has long been invalid. Before we criticize others, we should do everything we can to promote climate protection at home.

How high are CO2 emissions per capita worldwide?

You will find below a list of countries with the highest and lowest per capita CO2 emissions in the world. Saudi Arabia tops the list with CO2 emissions per capita of 16.6 Tonnes of CO2 per year. In 2021, Germany was the 9th largest CO2 emitter per capita in the world, and well above the EU average of just over 6 Tonnes.

Country	CO2 emissions per capita (Tonnes)	Year
Luxembourg	38.2	2018
Qatar	25.3	2018
Saudi Arabia	16.6	2021
Canada	14.9	2021
Australia	14.3	2021
USA	14.2	2021
Russian Federation	13.5	2021
Korea	12.1	2021
China	8.7	2021
Japan	8.6	2021
Germany	8.1	2021
South Africa	7.3	2021
Sweden	7.1	2018
EU-27	6.3	2021
Spain	6.2	2018
Panama	6.0	2018
Nigeria	0.64	2021
Kenya	0.37	2021
Madagascar	0.15	2021
DR Congo	0.03	2021

Sources: 2021 global values

You will immediately notice that African countries have very low CO2 emissions per capita, and rank among the lowest CO2 emitters worldwide.

Of course it's true that for any country with high CO2 emissions, the fewer inhabitants it has, the greater its CO2 emissions per capita will be. For example, although Germany is the 4th largest economy in the world and ranks 6th among the largest CO2 emitters, it rates better in terms of CO2 emissions per capita. This is because Germany spreads its CO2 emissions over 83 million people when we calculate emissions per capita. Small nations that are very dependent on fossil fuels, such as Luxembourg and Qatar, have larger CO2 emissions per capita.

How high are global CO2 emissions by sector?

Energy is the sector with the largest CO2 emissions globally. This is followed by transport and industrial combustion. Buildings comprise the fourth largest sector in global CO2 emissions.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/carbon-emissions-by-sectors.png" alt="Visualization of carbon emissions by sectors" caption={<> Energy is the sector with the highest global CO2 emissions. </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="Statista 2023" border={true} />

How high can per capita CO2 emissions be if we want to reach the 1.5 degree target?

Estimates have been made of how much CO2 per capita may be emitted in order to achieve the 1.5 degree target. These generally lie between one and two Tonnes of CO2 per capita per year.

The German Federal Environment Agency estimates that less than one ton per year of CO2 emissions per capita are necessary in order to be climate-compatible. This puts us on the safer side.

Some experts say we need to reduce our CO2 emissions per capita to below two Tonnes. Whether it's one ton or two Tonnes, we are currently at 8.8 Tonnes of CO2 per person per year in Germany. If we want to reach the 1.5 degree target, we have to significantly cut back our CO2 emissions now.

How can we reduce our CO2 emissions per capita in Germany and Europe?

There are many ways to reduce CO2 emissions.

Switch to renewable energies: expand solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy plants to reduce the need for fossil fuels in power generation.
Energy efficiency: reduce energy consumption through measures such as building refurbishment, more efficient appliances and lighting, and promotion of public transportation.
Behavioral changes: use low-emission modes of transportation, such as cycling or public transport, and avoid meat consumption and unnecessary flights.
Research and development: invest in technologies such as battery storage, hydrogen technology, and CO2 storage.
Reforestation of climate resilient mixed forests to filter existing CO2 from the atmosphere. Investments in new technologies are important, but at the same time we already have a great invention in the world: trees.
Collaboration: cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society to make the necessary political and economic changes to promote a sustainable and climate-friendly society.

How can you reduce CO2 emissions per capita in Germany and Europe right now?

At ForTomorrow, we buy CO2 rights from industry. We then set these rights aside unused, so that companies no longer have access to them. In this way, we effectively reduce CO2 emissions in Europe.

This means that companies and innovations that emit less CO2 will prevail, thereby propelling energy transformation in Europe.

Together with us, you can reduce industrial CO2 emissions and move Europe's energy transition forward. Together, we can make Europe climate-neutral by 2040.

Mail's carbon footprint: How much CO2 does an email produce?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 15:01:47 GMT

The internet has transformed our way of communicating forever - we all write lots of emails and chat messages every day. But behind emojis and funny voice messages hides a considerable carbon footprint. The energy for our messages has to be produced. If we use fossil fuels for this, CO2 emissions increase with every sent email.s

In this article, you learn more about how much CO2 each type of mail produces and the ecological impact associated with it. Can you save the climate by cleaning up your inbox? Let's find out!

Why do emails produce CO2?

Sending messages to your colleagues, friends and family is easy. All it takes is one click. But this requires electricity. This electricity is often sourced from fossil fuels. As a result, a substantial carbon footprint is created. Every email we send or receive contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases. CO2 emissions associated with emails are primarily caused by the technological devices we use to transport a message from the sender to the recipient.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/email-carbon-footprint.jpg" alt="Woman types email while sitting on her couch " caption={<> An email is quickly typed, but sending it produces CO2. </>} filter={true} />

How do email services consume energy?

Email services are designed to transmit and store messages securely. This means that servers need a lot of energy to ensure constant availability and reliable performance. It would be a shame if you'd only sometimes be able to check your inbox.

This means that servers are operating around the clock to process, store and transmit emails. These servers are hosted in large data centres that are equipped with cooling systems to protect the hardware from overheating. Maintaining the ideal temperature for continuous operation requires significant amounts of electrical energy.

The energy consumed by servers and data centres is often supplied by non-renewable energy sources that cause the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO2. This use of energy leaves a significant carbon footprint that is directly linked to our digital communication. The ever-increasing use of email services, the growing volume of stored emails and the rising demand for real-time communication are contributing to a further increase in energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Which factors play a role in an email's carbon footprint?

Understanding the complex relationship between email and CO2 emissions is important so that we can use our digital communication technologies more responsibly. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at energy consumption and strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of emails with the goal of promoting more sustainable digital communication practices.

The running of servers and data centres

One of the key factors is the operation of servers and data centres, which act as the heart of the digital communication network. These servers require a continuous supply of energy to store, process and transmit emails. The energy consumption of this infrastructure is often covered by non-renewable resources such as coal or natural gas, resulting in significant CO2 emissions.

Sending and storing data

Other factors include the traffic generated by the transmission of emails as well as the additional resources required for spam filters, backups and attachments. Global growth in email usage and the rising tendency to send large files as attachments also contribute to the increasing ecological footprint of emails.

How much CO2 does mail produce?

Here you can see how common forms of communication compare in terms of their CO2 emissions:

Form of communication	How much CO2 per message?
Letter	20 grams
Spam email without reading	0.03 grams
Short email via phone	0.2 grams
Short email via laptop	0.3 grams
Long email	17 grams

Sources: Carbon Literacy Project, Transport Friendly Society

A carbon footprint comparison: email vs. letter

There's no question that an email requires fewer resources than a letter. This is clear from the table above. Companies can therefore reduce their CO2 emissions and be more environmentally friendly by avoiding the use of paper.

A letter produces 20 grams of CO2. For the same amount of CO2, you can send around 67 short emails. That makes a huge difference. In Germany alone, 59 million letters are sent every day.

How much CO2 does global data traffic produce?

We are all aware that air travel is a major producer of greenhouse gases and accounts for around 3 per cent of global CO2 emissions. The internet is often overlooked in these debates.

However, the carbon footprint of the internet is larger than that of air traffic. Experts estimate that the internet and the systems supporting it account for around 3,7% of global CO2 emissions.

Worldwide, we send 300 billion emails every day. If an email produces 0.2 grams of CO2 at best (short email), that's 600,000 kilograms of CO2 per day. This means that over 2 million tonnes of CO2 are emitted by email communications every year - and this figure is rising rapidly.

What you can do to reduce your carbon footprint when sending emails

Reducing the carbon footprint of emails does not require radical changes, but rather more awareness of digital communication habits. Here are some tips on how individuals can reduce their environmental impact when sending emails:

Limit email attachments and file sizes: The larger a file sent via email, the more traffic and energy it requires. If possible, use alternative methods such as cloud storage or file sharing services to share large files instead of sending them as attachments.

Delete unused emails and attachments: Regularly sort out your emails and delete those that are no longer needed. This not only helps you keep your inbox organised, but also reduces the storage requirements on the servers. Less stored data ultimately means less energy consumption and CO2 emissions.

Use eco-friendly email providers: Some email providers rely on renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies to reduce their carbon footprint. By using such a provider, you can help to minimise the environmental impact of your email usage.

Only save your emails locally Your email program can save messags locally on your computer instead of on the server. If, for instance, you'd move all mails older than two years from the server to a local folder, you can balance availability of mails on your other devices and server storage use.

Sustainable email signatures: Shorten your email signature to minimise space requirements. Remove any images and logos, because these usually contain more data than the email text itself. This reduces the size of each email and therefore the energy consumption during transmission.

Mindful use of email newsletters: Only subscribe to email newsletters that you actually want to read. This not only avoids energy consumption, but also reduces the amount of data traffic.

How useful is it to reduce the carbon footprint of your emails?

By integrating these approaches into our email routine, we can collectively help to reduce the carbon footprint of digital communication and contribute to sustainability. At the same time, the efforts of email providers to increase efficiency and operate in a more environmentally friendly way are also a promising step in the right direction.

## Can you protect the climate by cleaning up your inbox?

Before you spend a lot of time tidying up your inbox, it is important to know that the majority of email traffic is business-related. Marketing and IT companies in particular, as well as email service providers, have much more leverage here - and therefore more responsibility.

Of course, we don't want to discourage you from cleaning up your emails. But when it comes to your personal climate impact, there are certainly areas where you can achieve more with less effort. Here's how the carbon emissions caused by sending an email compare to other activities:

Activity	CO2 emissions
Send an email	Less than 1 gram
Ask ChatGPT a question	2–3 grams
Watch Netflix	36–55 grams/hour
Join a video call	150–1 000 grams/hour
Heat your home	400–4 563 grams/hour*
Drive a car	17 700 grams/100 km

*) Based on data from the German Federal Environment Agency and ranging from 50 m² apartments in energy-efficient buildings to badly insulated 300 m² houses. On the assumption that there are 190 heating days annually, with the heating switched on for an average of 16 hours.

The figures in the table above are rough estimates. As with sending an email, many factors can influence actual emissions.

What is Earth Overshoot Day?

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 08:56:50 GMT

Our planet Earth represents a complex ecological balance in which natural resources are limited. In recent decades, however, human resource consumption has reached alarming levels that exceed the Earth's ability to regenerate and recover. Earth Overshoot Day, also known as Ecological Debt Day, is a measuring tool that helps us understand how sustainable our lifestyles really are.s

What does Earth Overshoot Day mean?

Definition and explanation of Earth Overshoot Day

Every year, Earth Overshoot Day marks the day when human demand for the Earth's natural resources exceeds the Earth's supply. This means that from this day onwards for the rest of the year, we live at the expense of the health of our Earth. We then need more than the Earth can provide - to the detriment of the environment.

This day is calculated by comparing the ecological footprint of the entire human race - i.e. the total consumption of land, water, air and other resources - with the Earth’s available resources.

Calculation method and indicators for Earth Overshoot Day

The calculation of Earth Overshoot Day is based on a careful analysis of human resource consumption and ecological footprint. This method allows us to determine the point at which our demand for natural resources overwhelms the Earth. Several indicators are used to get a comprehensive picture of the ecological burden.

Calculating Earth Overshoot Day using the Ecological Footprint

The Ecological Footprint is a central parameter in the calculation of Earth Overshoot Day. It measures the amount of land an individual, community or nation needs to sustain its lifestyle and dispose of the waste it produces. This footprint is measured in global hectares (gha) and includes several categories:

Carbon footprint: The amount of biologically productive land needed to absorb the CO2 emissions caused by energy consumption.
Cropland footprint: The area needed to grow food and raw materials.
Grazing land footprint: The area required for livestock and animal production.
Forest land footprint: The area needed to provide wood and products made from wood.
Built-up land footprint: The area needed for settlements and infrastructure.
Fishing grounds footprint: How much nature we use and change when we fish or farm fish.

Calculating Earth Overshoot Day using the Earth's biocapacity

Earth's biocapacity is the planet's ability to produce renewable resources and absorb waste. It is also measured in global hectares and includes resources such as cropland, grazing land, fishing grounds and forests. Biocapacity is measured regionally and globally to determine how much sustainable resource production and waste absorption is possible.

Calculating Earth Overshoot Day using the footprint and biocapacity

The Earth Overshoot Day is calculated by dividing the earth's biocapacity (in global hectares) by humanity's ecological footprint (in global hectares) and multiplying it with the number of days in a year, which is 365. The equation is as follows:

The larger the ecological footprint compared to the biocapacity, the earlier Earth Overshoot Day occurs in the year.

This method of calculation and the indicators used make it possible to accurately determine Earth Overshoot Day each year and to critically monitor global resource use. In the next section, we will take a closer look at the evolution of Earth Overshoot Day over time and the factors that influence the shifting date.

The evolution and change of Earth Overshoot Day

Earth Overshoot Day takes place earlier every year

Since calculations began in the 1970s, Earth Overshoot Day has steadily moved forward. This means that we always use more resources than the Earth can renew in a year. In recent decades, Earth Overshoot Day has occurred several months earlier. This illustrates the rapid increase in human resource consumption and the growing ecological burden.

Factors influencing the shift

Several factors influence the shift of the Earth Overshoot Day date:

Population growth: Rising global population increases demand for resources such as food, water and energy.
Consumer behaviour: Changes in consumption patterns, especially in developed countries, lead to higher resource consumption.
Technological advances: Advances in technology and industry can enable more efficient resource use, but often lead to higher overall consumption.
Land use: The conversion of forests to cropland or settlements affects the biocapacity area of the Earth.
Climate change: The effects of climate change, such as droughts and crop failures, can affect the availability of resources.

Earth Overshoot Day year by year

In 1971, Earth Overshoot Day fell in December, but Earth's resources are being used up earlier and earlier. In the 1990s, the day fell in September and we are currently moving towards July. Today we need 1.7 Earths to provide for all people. Unfortunately, we don't have this.

Why is Earth Overshoot Day important?

Earth Overshoot Day is much more than a statistical indicator. It has immense significance for our understanding of sustainable development and the impact of our actions on the environment.

The importance of using resources sustainably

Earth Overshoot Day acts as a warning signal and shows us how quickly we are depleting our planet's natural resources. It is crucial that we use our resources in a sustainable way to maintain the balance between our demand and the Earth's ability to regenerate. Ensuring sustainable resource use is essential to leaving an intact environment and livable conditions for future generations.

Consequences of ecological overload

The ecological overload symbolised by Earth Overshoot Day has serious consequences for our environment and society:

Climate change: Overconsumption of fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases is exacerbating climate change, leading to more extreme weather, sea level rise and other catastrophic events
Biodiversity loss: The overexploitation of natural resources affects habitats and leads to the destruction of ecosystems, which in turn accelerates the loss of animal and plant species
Water scarcity: Our water supply is threatened as we consume water faster than natural water cycles can replace it
Livelihoods at risk: Overuse of land, air and water threatens the livelihoods of people around the world, especially in poorer communities that are more dependent on natural resources
Economic risks: The growing ecological crisis can lead to economic instability, affecting trade, infrastructure and jobs.

Earth Overshoot Day as a call to action

Earth Overshoot Day is an urgent reminder that we need to reduce our resource consumption and implement more sustainable lifestyles. By making us realise that we only have a limited amount of resources available, Earth Overshoot Day encourages us to take collective responsibility and take action to reduce our ecological footprint.

Earth Overshoot Day worldwide

Earth Overshoot Day is a globally relevant concept, but it has different meanings and impacts in different countries and regions.

Differences between countries and regions

Earth Overshoot Days vary from country to country and region to region due to different populations, lifestyles and resource use. Industrialised countries tend to have earlier Earth Overshoot Days, because their resource consumption is often higher than in developing or emerging countries. Countries with high demand for energy, meat consumption and other resource-intensive activities tend to have earlier Earth Overshoot Days.

Countries with the earliest Earth Overshoot Days

Some countries stand out as having remarkably early Earth Overshoot Days, indicating particularly high resource use. These include:

Qatar: Qatar often has the earliest Earth Overshoot Day in the world. Its high energy consumption and dependence on imported resources contribute to this date.
Luxembourg: Another country with an early Earth Overshoot Day. The high per capita resource consumption, combined with a small population, leads to an early overshoot.
United Arab Emirates: Similar to Qatar, the UAE is heavily dependent on imported resources, leading to an early Earth Overshoot Day.

These countries exemplify the urgent need for more sustainable consumption and lifestyles to reduce the overuse of global resources.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/earth-overshoot-days-2023.png" alt="Graphic showing when Earth Overshoot Day happens by country in 2023" caption={<> The more sustainable a country is, the later the Earth Overshoot Day occurs. </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="Global Footprint Network" filter={false} border={true} />

Solutions and conclusion

The awareness raised by Earth Overshoot Day serves not only to highlight the challenges, but also to suggest ways in which we can reduce our dependence on limited resources.

Measures to reduce the ecological footprint

Renewable energies: Switching to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydropower significantly reduces the carbon footprint.
Sustainable agriculture: Promoting organic agriculture and sustainable farming methods reduces the grazing land footprint and conserves soil.
Energy efficiency: More efficient technologies and energy savings in households, businesses and industry reduce energy consumption.
Changing dietary habits: Reducing meat consumption in favour of plant-based foods reduces the cropland and grazing land footprint.

Importance of sustainable consumption and resource conservation

Conscious consumption: Individuals can contribute to reducing resource consumption through conscious purchasing decisions, reuse and recycling.
Circular economy: Shifting to a circular economy where products are reused and recycled leads to a reduction in waste and resource consumption.
Education and awareness raising: Broad education on sustainable consumption and environmental protection raises society's awareness of the urgency of the issue.

Summary and outlook

Earth Overshoot Day is a powerful tool that shows us how our lifestyles and consumption patterns exceed what our planet can offer. It is an urgent reminder that our actions have an impact and that we have a responsibility to make sustainable choices. By reducing our ecological footprint, we can help reduce ecological overshoot and preserve a livable environment for future generations.

It is up to all of us to work together and take action to move Earth Overshoot Day forward into the future and shape a sustainable path for our planet. Every small step counts and helps to restore the balance between humans and nature.

Let's work together to protect the future of our Earth and create a sustainable world for generations to come.

How can you delay Earth Overshoot Day?

You can join us at ForTomorrow to drive the energy transition in Europe and help delay Earth Overshoot Day. Together with us, you can buy emission rights away from industry, e.g. coal-fired power plants. This is an effective way to reduce the CO2 emissions of the European Union and in doing so we protect the climate in Europe.

How much will sea levels rise due to the climate crisis?

Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:42:16 GMT

As our planet continues to warm, the polar ice caps and other ice sheets are melting. The water released flows into the oceans and causes sea levels to rise. The link between rising sea levels and climate change is undeniable. In the following article, you will learn more about the rise in sea levels and what could happen to the water level if the climate crisis continues.s

Rising sea levels due to the climate crisis

What does a rise in sea level mean?

A rise in sea level means that the surface of the seawater increases in relation to the height of the adjacent land. Seawater is encroaching on our coasts and the body of water takes up more and more land. When the sea level reaches a certain height, flooding can occur.

Why is global warming causing the sea level to rise?

The rising sea levels are triggered by the climate crisis. Fundamentally, there are three driving forces behind sea level rise.

Expansion of seawater due to higher water temperatures: Water is densest at 4 degrees Celsius, which means it takes up the least space at this temperature. When you heat the water, it expands. Water with a temperature of 20 degrees takes up more space than water that is only 10 degrees. So the warmer the water in the oceans, the more space it needs.
Melting glaciers and ice sheets: Rising temperatures also lead to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets in the polar regions and mountains. This meltwater flows into the oceans and contributes to rising sea levels.
Melting of the ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica: The ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica contain enormous amounts of frozen water. Once melted, this water also enters the oceans and contributes to sea level rise.

Rising sea levels are a lie?

There is a rumour going around in some circles that there is no rise in sea levels at all. But the fact is that the rising sea levels have been scientifically proven by countless studies and tests. Data from sediment cores, tide gauges and satellites confirm that sea levels are rising worldwide. Unfortunately, sea level rise has accelerated in the last century.

Here is an article that addresses the myth that sea levels are not rising.

Current state of research on sea level rise

How much has the sea level already risen?

In the 20th century, sea levels have already risen by 20 centimetres. According to the IPCC, sea levels are currently rising by 3.7 millimetres per year. That is more than twice as fast as in the 20th century. At that time, the annual rise in sea level was 1.5 millimetres per year. From 1993 to 2022 alone, the sea rose by more than 10 centimetres. Where we go from here depends on whether we succeed in slowing down man-made global warming.

If you click on the link behind the following image, you will be taken to a NASA animation on sea level rise.

How much will sea levels rise?

According to the IPCC report of 2022, the average global sea level will rise by about two to three metres over the next 2000 years if global warming is limited to 1.5°C. It will rise by two to six metres if warming is limited to 2°C and by around 19 to 22 metres if the planet warms by 5°C. The latter would mean that millions of people would be at risk, coastal cities could no longer exist and elaborate protection systems would have to be built.

If the entire Greenland ice sheet melts, global sea levels would rise by over seven metres. If we add the meltwater from the Antarctic ice sheet, the global sea level would increase by an astonishing 58 metres. Even though this scenario is unlikely, in some places just a few centimetres are enough to provoke devastating effects.

Who is affected by rising sea levels?

Sea level rise: What are the consequences for people?

The rising sea level mainly affects people living in coastal areas. The consequences of sea level rise are far-reaching. Here are the most important ones:

Floods and storm surges: Rising sea levels increase the risk of flooding and storm surges in coastal areas. This puts people at risk, damages homes and cripples infrastructure.
Loss of land and coastal erosion: As sea levels rise, coastal areas are eroded and land is lost. Houses and settlements have to be abandoned or relocated. It will become impossible to farm the land and there will be much less space available for people.
Threat to sources of drinking water: In some coastal areas, seawater is encroaching on groundwater resources, endangering drinking water supplies. When salt water comes in contact with agricultural land, the soil can become infertile.
Health risks: Floods can lead to water contamination, allowing bacteria to spread. Mosquitoes multiply, transmitting diseases such as dengue fever or malaria.

Depending on the geographical location, sea level rise has different effects. Overall, however, it is clear that high sea levels pose numerous challenges for both humans and animals.

Sea level rise: Which places will be affected?

Rising sea levels will primarily affect people in coastal regions. This includes the inhabitants of major cities like New York, Miami, Mumbai or Shanghai. The German coast is 2,400 kilometres long. Here, too, you can find cities such as Bremerhaven, Cuxhaven, Flensburg, Friedrichstadt, Kiel or Lübeck.

Island states are also affected by rising sea levels. The Maldives, Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands are particularly at risk with sea level rise causing flooding and erosion. Around 700 million people worldwide live in low-lying coastal areas that could be affected by rising sea levels.

Not only people are affected by sea level rise. Entire ecosystems such as mangrove forests, wetlands and coral reefs are also being damaged. Many plant and animal species are seriously threatened by the rising sea level.

What about rising sea levels in Germany?

The dangers of sea level rise due to climate change also affect Germany. The water levels of the North Sea and Baltic Sea have been rising for decades. Depending on the coast, sea level rise varies. This is due to different wind systems and currents. Here you can find a comparison of the sea levels in well-known German coastal cities over the last 100 years.

Coast	Sea level rise over the last 100 years
Husum	20 centimetres
Warnemünde	14 centimetres
Travemünde	17 centimetres

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/travemuende-rise-sea-level.jpg" alt="Image of Travemünde to show that the sea level is rising" caption={<> In Travemünde, the sea level has risen by 17 centimetres over the last 100 years. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

How can we prevent sea level rise?

Sea level rise is directly linked to the man-made greenhouse effect and global warming. To slow down this process, we need to reduce our CO2 emissions.

With ForTomorrow, you can buy away emission rights from industry and cancel them, thereby reducing CO2 emissions in Europe. This is how we slow down the greenhouse effect, global warming and sea level rise.

Is this still extreme weather or already a climate crisis?

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:23:35 GMT

25,289 lightning strikes over Rhein-Main in one hour: On August 16th, there was a massive thunderstorm with heavy rainfall in Frankfurt, which even brought the airport to a standstill. Recently, wildfires have ravaged the forests in Greece, and there have been storm surges in Asia. Summer 2023 is certainly extreme. Some say, "Bad weather has always existed," while others say, "These are the harbingers of our downfall." I can't help but wonder, is extreme weather related to the climate crisis?

What is extreme weather?

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/extreme-weather-storm-frankfurt.jpeg" alt="A train station in Frankfurt that was completely flooded by heavy thunderstorms and rain showers." caption={<> In Frankfurt, a train station was completely flooded due to heavy thunderstorms and rainfall. </>} sizePreset="halfText" float="right" creditName="Tagesschau" filter={true} />

Extreme weather is a term used to describe meteorological events that are particularly intense or prolonged. There are various types of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, droughts, heatwaves, cold snaps, storms, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other unusual weather phenomena. Extreme weather events have significant impacts on our societies, the environment, agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy. They can cause extensive damage to buildings, lead to crop failures, result in floods, landslides, power outages, and other negative consequences. Human-induced climate change is causing an increase in extreme weather events. Since the 1990s, extreme weather events have already doubled worldwide (German).

Is extreme weather related to the climate crisis?

Climate crisis and heatwaves

When it comes to heatwaves, it's easy to demonstrate the effect of climate change. The German Weather Service reports that temperatures in Germany have already increased on average by 1.7 degrees Celsius since 1881 (German). Where 35 degrees used to be normal, it's now common to see temperatures of 36 or 37 degrees. In the future, we will have fewer cold days but many more extremely hot days. The weather is shifting towards extreme heat.

Climate Crisis and Heavy Rainfall

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/aachen-flooding .jpg" alt="A street that is under water, a woman walks through the water with her bicycle." caption={<> Heavy rainfall turns Aachen's streets into rivers in 2014. </>} sizePreset="halfText" float="right" creditName="Wesfalen Spiegel, Matthias Ahlke" filter={true} />

Climate change also leads to more intense rain showers. As the air becomes warmer, it can hold more water. For every degree of temperature increase, the air can hold 7% more water droplets (German)- more water that can then pour down heavily elsewhere.

Climate crisis and thunderstorms

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/extreme-thunderstorm.jpg" alt="Photo of thunderstorm at night, lightning shooting from the sky." caption={<> Extreme thunderstorms are increasing due to the climate crisis. </>} sizePreset="halfText" float="right" filter={true} />

And what about thunderstorms? Scientists have already demonstrated that the frequency of lightning, for example in the Alps, has almost doubled in the last 40 years (German). Higher temperatures and more water in the atmosphere lead to more thunderstorms.

Extreme Weather Events Statistics

In the 21st century, the frequency of extreme weather events in Europe has significantly increased due to climate change. While only double-digit numbers of extreme weather events were recorded in the early 20th century, there were already 1,452 extreme weather events in 2019. Especially the number of floods and inundations is steadily rising. However, since the early 2000s, climate change has also greatly increased the likelihood of extreme temperatures and drought waves.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/extreme-weather-europe.webp" alt="Statistics extreme weather Europe, all weather extremes increase " caption={<> Weather extremes increase due to climate change </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

Extreme Weather Events in Germany: What Are the Consequences?

According to the Helmholtz Institute (German), the frequency of droughts has significantly increased across Germany over the last 50 years. Since 2017, there hasn't been a year without droughts occurring. A study by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization from 2015 indicates that food losses during extreme droughts can reach up to 84 percent.

Extreme weather events in Germany incur costs. Floods result in massive financial damage. In the year 2016 alone, the financial damage caused by heavy rainfall in Germany amounted to 800,000,000 euros. Compared to 2008, this is nearly 15 times the financial damage.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/drought-climate-extreme-germany.png" alt="Graphic on drought waves Germany" caption={<> Drought in Germany on the rise </>} creditName="Helmholtz Institut " filter={true} />

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/floods-germany.jpeg" alt="Graphic on flooding and costs in Germany" caption={<> Weather extremes cause high costs </>} sizePreset="halfText" float="right" border={true} />

Which country is most affected by extreme weather?

Naturally, the risk of extreme weather events is increasing internationally as well. However, statistics on extreme weather events for countries in the global South often show even more severe impacts. Countries like Puerto Rico, Myanmar, or Haiti (German) are among the most affected by extreme weather events. Germany, however, is also considered a vulnerable region. The basis for assessing a country's vulnerability is the climate risk ranking. The lower a country's value on the ranking, the more vulnerable it is to the consequences of the climate crisis.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/climate-extreme-by-country.jpg" alt="Top 10 ranking of countries at risk from weather extremes and climate change. Postion 1: Honduras, 2: Burma, 3: Haiti, 4: Nicaragua, 5: Philippines, 6: Bangladesh, 7: Vietnam, 8: Dominic. Republic, 9: Guatemala, 10: Pakistan." caption={<> Weather extremes mainly affect poorer countries </>} sizePreset="bigText" border={true} />

How can we mitigate climate change and extreme weather events?

Climate change is leading to extreme weather events. You can join us at ForTomorrow to help combat climate change. We purchase emissions rights and cancel them. This forces the industry in Europe to reduce their CO2 emissions. Additionally, we plant climate-resistant mixed forests in Germany to capture CO2. This is how we protect the climate in Europe.

Record heat – How fast are temperatures rising due to the climate crisis?

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:51:55 GMT

Why do new heat records keep being set?

The man-made greenhouse effect is causing temperatures to rise. The rays of the sun that reach the Earth can no longer escape into the universe. The main culprit is a dense layer of CO2 and other greenhouse gases that settle in the atmosphere. Since these rays cannot go anywhere they remain trapped on Earth meaning temperatures rise and new heat records are set.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/human-enhanced-greenhouse-effect.png" alt="Visualization about the human enhanced greenhouse effect" caption={<> The human enhanced greenhouse effect sets heat records. </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="gndr.org" filter={true} />

What is Germany's highest temperature to date?

All three of the most recent record heatwaves in Germany were set in the last five years. Astonishingly, this means that almost every year a new heat record has been set. These records are occurring because of global warming.

Below is a table setting out Germany's most recent heat records:

Date	Location	Temperature
25 July 2019	Duisburg-Baerl and Tönisvorst, North Rhine-Westphalia	41.2°C
24 July 2019	NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, near Geilenkirchen, North Rhine-Westphalia	40.5°C
5 July 2015	Kitzingen, Bayern	40.3°C

How much has the temperature risen in Germany?

The hottest years in Germany:

Year	Deviation
2018	+2,7°C
2020	+2,6°C
2019	+2,5°C
2014	+2,5°C
2015	+2,1°C
2007	+2,1°C
2000	+2,1°C
1994	+1,9°C
2017	+1,8°C
2011	+1,8°C
2002	+1,8°C

Since 1962, every decade has been warmer than the one before. Since 1992, every decade has also broken a new heat record. Additionally, according to the Deutscher Wetterdienst's fact paper, the 2012-2021 decade is "almost two degrees warmer than the reference period of 1881-1910".

The paper states that over the entire period from 1881 to 2021, a rise of 0.12 degrees Celsius occurred each decade, and for the last 50 years (1971-2021), the warming rate was more than three times as high at 0.36 degrees Celsius per decade.

With a warming of 1.6 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial compared to the pre-industrial era, far above the global average of 1.1 degrees Celsius over the same period. One explanation for this is that regions like Germany generally warm up faster than marine regions.

As you can see in the table seven out of eleven of the warmest years since recording started in Germany have been measured this decade.

What are the consequences of these heat records?

Gerhard Adrian, President of the Deutscher Wetterdienst, Extreme Weather Congress 2022:

We are the first generation to analyse the effects of man-made climate change so comprehensively and forensically. This knowledge can no longer be swept under the table.

Heat waves have wider consequences for us humans. Forest fires and water shortages as well as crop failures and agricultural challenges. For some people, the extreme heat can also lead to health problems, including:

Skin rash due to sweating
Water retention (oedema) in the lower legs and ankles
Dizziness when standing or brief unconsciousness
painful muscle cramps, e.g. after exercise
Heat exhaustion: weakness, fatigue, headache, dizziness, and low blood pressure while body temperature is normal or below 40°C
Heat stroke: body temperature over 40°C, disturbed consciousness, possible cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea, and low blood pressure

How can we stop these heat records from occurring?

If we reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we can slow down the greenhouse effect. At ForTomorrow, we buy emissions rights from industry and cancel them. In this way, we force high-emitting companies to emit less CO2, accelerating the energy transition. You can be a part of it.

Methane and climate change – Why are cows to blame?

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 13:07:57 GMT

CO2 is what most people think of when it comes to climate change but other greenhouse gases are also harming the atmosphere through heating. Twenty-five times more powerful than carbon dioxide, methane plays a major role in the human-made greenhouse effect . Read on if you want to know how damaging methane emissions are for our climate and what you can do about it. s

What is methane and why is it a significant contributor to climate change?

What is the definition of methane?

Methane is an odourless gas that is invisible to the naked eye and chemically known by the formula CH4. It is emitted by a variety of sources. When cows digest their food, they produce large amounts of methane but it is also produced in wetlands, swamps or rice fields when plant residues are decomposed by microorganisms.

In Germany, carbon dioxide accounted for 87.1 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, methane for 6.5 percent, nitrous oxide for 4.6 percent and the F-gases for around 1.7 percent. But methane is 25 times more damaging to the climate than CO2 and thus has the potential to heat up the earth very quickly. According to some sources, methane has as much as 30 times the effect of CO2.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/methane-output-worldwide-nasa.webp" alt="NASA's visualization of methane emissions worldwide." caption={<> NASA shows where methane is emitted globally. </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="NASA" filter={true} />

How long does methane stay in the atmosphere?

Methane stays in the atmosphere for 12 years while CO2 can remain in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years. However, since methane is 25 times more harmful than CO2, it is vital to reduce methane emissions.

Since methane only stays in the atmosphere for a relatively short period of time, we can greatly curb the climate-damaging effects of the gas by acting promptly.

How high are methane emissions globally?

In 2017, around 600 million tonnes of methane were emitted worldwide, a record high at that time. Since 2000, global methane methane emissions have increased by 50 million tonnes annually. From 2006 to 2017 methane emissions increased by 9%, according to an international study.

About 60 per cent of the world's methane gas emissions are due to human activities. These include cattle breeding in particular, but rice cultivation, fossil fuel use, waste incineration, industry, and transport also contribute to increasing methane methane emissions.

Methane and CO2 compared

Property	CO2	Methane
How long does it stay in the atmosphere?	up to 1,000 years	approx 12 years
How damaging are the effects?	1 CO2e	25 CO2e*
What is the share of global greenhouse gases?	81%	11%
How high are yearly emissions? (2017)	35 billion tonnes	600 million tonnes
What are its sources?	Internal combustion engines, Coal-fired power plants	Agriculture

Methane is 25 times more damaging to the climate as CO. CO2e is an abbreviation, in order to compare greenhouse gases with CO.

What are the main sources of methane emissions worldwide?

How do humans emit more methane into the atmosphere?

Humans are responsible for the emission of considerable amounts of of methane thus contributing to increased amounts the gas in the the atmosphere. Agriculture in particular produces huge methane emissions. In 2017, methane production in agriculture consisted of 227 million tonnes of CO2e. That comprised about 40% of global methane emissions. This is closely followed by closely followed by methane emissions from fossil sources, making up 108 million tonnes of tonnes of CO2e.

How much methane does a cow emit?

Cows emit methane, when they digest food. Cows emit wind every three minutes – making over 100 kg of methane per year.

What happens when the methane that lies beneath the permafrost is released?

Cows emit methane. But far more threatening is the possibility of the permafrost in the polar regions melting due to the climate crisis and releasing large amounts of CO2 and methane into the atmosphere. The permanently frozen soil in the Arctic Circle stores a trillion tonnes of carbon – a ticking time bomb in that sense.

If temperatures continue to rise, the polar caps will melt and the frozen methane in the permafrost will be released. This additional methane emissions contributes significantly to climate change causing a dangerous vicious circle. The methane released in turn leads to higher temperatures .

According to the Max Planck Institute, warmer temperatures are currently causing more vegetation to grow in these regions. However, if the climate crisis progresses, there will come a tipping point. Then methane emissions will rise exorbitantly.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/permafrost-soil.jpeg" alt="Photo of a permafrost soil" caption={<> When permafrost thaws, a large amount of methane is released. </>} sizePreset="bigText" creditName="FOTOLIA / VLADIMIR MELNIK" filter={true} />

What can I do to reduce emissions of methane and other greenhouse gases?

In Europe there is a system called [EU emissions trading]/de/blog/emissionshandel-erklaert). All large companies that emit greenhouse gases have to participate in EU emissions trading. We at ForTomorrow are also taking part and have and have come up with a novel idea. By using ForTomorrow to buy emission rights from EU emissions trading, they are no longer available to be used by industry, i.e. we buy these emission rights, cancelling them in the process.

In this way, large companies that emit greenhouse gases will have no choice but to reduce their emissions. And you can get involved. If you join us in [buying and cancelling EU emission rights]/de/emissionsrechte), you can force industry to emit fewer greenhouse gases.

What if Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg would fight for climate protection?

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 13:22:16 GMT

It's simply absurd: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk may climb into the ring for a fistfight soon. Why? I don't think even they could answer that question.

Why do Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg suddenly want to fight in a cage match?

During an argument on Twitter, tensions rose between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. Elon Musk then suggested they continue their quarrel in a cage fight. He also proposed a location: Las Vegas.

According to the mixed martial arts promotion company UFC, the fight is expected to generate billions of dollars. Now, to turn this into something positive: How about donating the proceeds from the fight to climate protection?

Why donate all proceeds from the fight between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg to climate protection?

With one billion, ForTomorrow could buy away and cancel more than 10 000 000 EU emission rights. That would reduce the emittable amount of CO2 in the EU by 10 000 000 tonnes - which equals 30 million flights from Berlin to Palma de Mallorca. In short: a hell of a lot of CO2.

So Mark and Elon, how about it?

What is the EU Emissions Trading System?

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 14:50:06 GMT

The EU Emission Trading System is the European Union's main instrument to protect the climate. Emissions trading motivates companies to reduce their CO2 emissions and use renewable energies. Companies that reduce their CO2 emissions can then sell surplus emission rights. If, however, those companies emit more CO2 than they are allowed to, they have to buy additional emission rights. The aim is to create an economic incentive to reduce CO2 emissions.

The actor and environmental activist Hannes Jaenicke explains in this short video how the Emission Trading System works. And how you can use it with ForTomorrow:

The EU Emissions Trading System explained

What is emissions trading?

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) is the climate protection tool of the European Union. Within this system, European companies that emit large amounts of CO2 have to buy emission rights. All major CO2 emitters in the EU, e.g. coal-fired power plants, must participate.

These emission rights allow companies to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. If the allowed amount of CO2 emissions is exceeded, companies have to buy additional emission rights. For each tonne of CO2 that an industrial company wants to emit, it needs one emission right. Emission rights need to be submitted every year. If a CO2 emitter fails to do this, heavy penalties are imposed and the rights will have to be submitted retrospectively.

Every year, the EU releases emission rights. And every year, it reduces the total number of these rights available. This mechanism is known as the "cap-and-trade". As companies can buy fewer emission rights each year, the system allows the economy to emit less CO2 each year. In doing so, an economic incentive is created to reduce CO2 emissions. Emissions trading is used as part of a larger European climate policy strategy to combat climate change.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/pages/emission-rights/eu-ets-cap.png" alt="Graph that shows in the EU emissions trading system the number of emissions rights is reduced by the European government from year to year." caption={<> In the Emissions Trading System, the number of available emission rights is reduced by the EU every year. </>} creditName="Umweltbundesamt" border={true} />

Emissions trading made simple

The Emissions Trading System works like this: The government sets a cap on CO2 emissions that companies are allowed to emit in the EU.

Then, the EU creates emission rights. As these rights are limited in number, they restrict the amount of permitted CO2 emissions. All participants in the EU have to buy from this set number of emission rights.

Companies that emit less CO2 than their allocated allowance can sell their surplus emission rights. If, however, a company emits more CO2 than the allowance they have been allocated, they must buy additional rights. This creates a financial incentive to emit less CO2.

How emissions trading works

The Emissions Trading System operates at European level. Participants in the trade, for example companies from the energy or shipping industries, must hold a certain number of emission rights each year to legally cover their CO2 emissions. Surplus rights can be sold, lacking rights have to be purchased. This is supposed to reduce CO2 emissions and trigger a green transformation.

Since when do we have the EU Emissions Trading System?

The Emissions Trading System started in 2005 with a pilot phase lasting until 2007. Today, rights from the pilot phase are no longer in use.

What are the goals of the EU Emissions Trading System?

Goal of climate protection

The primary goal of emissions trading is to protect the climate. Through the trade of emission rights, companies are motivated to reduce their CO2 emissions and contribute to climate protection.

Emissions trading goals

Emissions trading is a market-based instrument that enables companies to reduce their CO2 emissions in a cost-effective way. It creates a cost for CO2 emissions that motivates companies to reduce their emissions and to develop and use alternative, more climate-friendly technologies.

The goal of emissions trading is to achieve a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and contribute to climate protection.

Which sectors must participate in the EU Emissions Trading System?

Who has to buy CO2 rights?

EU based companies in certain sectors have to buy CO2 emission rights if they are emitting greenhouse gases. These sectors include those producing steel and cement, electricity, coal power and gas, as well as intra-European aviation (take-off and landing within the EU). Shipping is now also included, the building and transport sectors are in the planning stage, but agriculture is not yet part of the European Trading System.

Who is allowed to trade in CO2 rights?

All companies that take part in the European Trading System are allowed to buy and sell CO2 emission rights to cover their emissions or sell off their surplus. We at ForTomorrow also buy EU emission rights.

The plan always was for the EU-ETS to be used for climate protection.

CO2 rights and money

Who gets the money for selling CO2 emission rights?

Companies emitting fewer greenhouse gases than they are allowed to, can sell their surplus rights and thus make money.

What happens to the money from emissions trading?

All revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the national Emissions Trading Scheme (nEHS) go into national Energy and Climate Funds. These fund climate protection measures, including renewable energies, energy efficiency investments, national and international climate protection projects, electromobility and the expansion of the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency (NAPE).

Price development of CO2 emission rights

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2025/eua-price-2020-2025.png" alt="Line chart of the EUA price since 2010. Until mid-2018, the price was below € 25, then it went up to around € 100 in 2023. After a slump, the price went back above € 70." caption={<> The price EU emission rights seems to be stabilizing again after sharp increases and fluctuations. </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

In 2022, the prices for EU emission rights have stabilised and risen slightly due to increased demand. EUA prices fell in 2023 due to a combination of economic slowdown, reduced emissions and weaker industrial production, resulting in lower demand for CO2 certificates and a switch to cleaner energy sources.

As of July 2025, the price of an EU emission right is currently around 70 euros. This means that if a company wants to emit one tonne of CO2, it pays around 70 euros, depending on when it purchased emission rights and at what price.

Just as you can't buy products in the supermarket for commodity prices, the price for offsetting via the retirement of emission rights is often higher than the current trading price. ForTomorrow buys emission rights in advance at favorable conditions and forecasts how the EU emission price will develop in the current year in order to keep the offset price stable for as long as possible. We communicate transparently at all times when we adjust our prices.

CO2 offsetting with emission rights is subject to VAT of 19 percent. As a non-profit limited company, we can use all of our donation income for climate protection.

Emissions trading vs. CO2 tax

What are the differences between emissions trading and CO2 tax?

Emissions trading and the CO2 tax differ in their implementation and objectives. While emissions trading entitles companies to buy and sell CO2 rights, the CO2 tax applies directly to the consumption of CO2.

The disadvantage of using a tax is that if companies can afford it, they simply emit as much CO2 as before. Since emission rights are limited, emissions trading does not allow for this. If the price of an emission right is high, a company concerned cannot emit any more CO2.

Advantages of emissions trading

The advantages of emissions trading lie in its market-based approach with incentives for companies to reduce their emissions. The CO2 tax, on the other hand, offers simpler regulation and a direct financial burden based on the amount of CO2 emitted. To put it simply, both systems have their own advantages and disadvantages, and which system is best suited for a particular country will depend on various factors.

Emissions trading for private individuals

Can private individuals buy emission rights?

No, private individuals are not allowed to buy or sell CO2 rights. Emissions trading is a system for companies in the EU.

Can I use the Emissions Trading System to protect the climate through ForTomorrow?

Yes, if you support ForTomorrow in buying emission rights, you as a private person can reduce the CO2 emissions of the entire European Union.

Criticism of emissions trading

Issues with the Emissions Trading System

One issue with emissions trading was that a potential oversupply of emission rights could lead to price drops. The Market Stability Reserve was created to address this problem. If there are too many emission rights in circulation, the EU can transfer emission rights to the reserve or even delete rights to maintain price stability.

Emissions trading - sensible or not?

Where emissions trading has been implemented, CO2 emissions have fallen. Where it has not, they have actually risen. Since the introduction of the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) in 2005, CO2 emissions in the sectors covered by the ETS have fallen by almost 30 percent. This is a decrease well above the EU-wide target of 21 percent.

Emissions trading worldwide

Emissions trading in Germany

The EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS) is an important part of the European climate protection strategy and has already led to a significant reduction of CO2 emissions in Europe.

January 2021 saw the start of the national Emissions Trading Scheme (nEHS) in Germany which began to charge for CO2 emissions by introducing emission rights for Germany. It applies to the heating and transport sectors. These sectors are not covered by the EU-ETS and therefore Germany decided to include them in a national scheme.

For every tonne of CO2 that can be released during the combustion of fuel, an nEHS certificate must be surrendered. So the system works like EU emissions trading - but only for Germany.

Emissions trading compared internationally

Compared internationally, the EU has introduced one of the most advanced emissions trading systems. Other parts of the world, such as Canada, Australia and China, also created their own trading systems to help reduce CO2 emissions.

Overall, it is important to note that emissions trading is a functioning system that has been introduced in several parts of the world and has been successful in reducing CO2 emissions there.

Emissions trading in shipping

Emissions trading is also an important issue in shipping. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has already introduced measures to limit CO2 emissions from ships.

From 2024 onwards, all ships calling at European ports will gradually be included in emissions trading. After a three-year phase-in period, during which the percentage of shipping emissions charged will be increased from 40 percent in 2024 to 70 percent in 2025 and 100 percent in 2026, all emissions from shipping within Europe will be covered by the Emissions Trading System.

Summary of the main points

Emissions trading in brief

Emissions trading is a system where companies have emission rights which allow them to emit a certain amount of CO2. Should they exceed this amount, they have to buy more CO2 rights.

The aim is to limit CO2 emissions and promote climate protection. Companies from certain sectors, including energy, industry and aviation, must participate. The price for emission rights varies and depends on supply and demand.

Future prospects for emissions trading

As emissions trading is proving to be successful, it is likely that it will be further expanded and improved to achieve an even more holistic regulation of CO2 emissions.

Can policymakers not simply end EU emissions trading?

No, it is very difficult to overturn the EU Emissions Trading System. All EU countries would have to agree to it and the EU would then no longer be able to comply with the Paris climate agreement. This scenario is unrealistic.

You can compare it to the likelihood of us suddenly abolishing the euro as a means of payment.

Final assessment of emissions trading from ForTomorrow's perspective

Overall, we believe that emissions trading is an important step towards successful climate protection.

The EU Emissions Trading System works well, but it is just not working fast enough if we want to reach the 1.5 degree target. We have known this since before the last IPCC report: We need to achieve carbon neutrality much sooner than 2050, otherwise we risk global warming of more than 1.5 degrees and will have to deal with serious consequences.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/with-fortomorrow-you-can-offset-co2.png" alt="Graph that shows how we offset more CO2 every month with ForTomorrow." caption={<> At ForTomorrow, we are successfully reducing CO2 emissions in the EU through emissions trading. </>} filter={true} />

At ForTomorrow, we buy CO2 emission rights away from e.g. coal-fired power plants so that they have a lower CO2 emission allowance. This way, we lower the amount of CO2 that can be emitted in the EU and protect the climate. We want to make the EU climate neutral before 2040. Help us achieve this by offsetting CO2 with us.

What is carbon offsetting?

Mon, 15 May 2023 14:56:29 GMT

Carbon offsetting is the process by which companies and individuals can offset their CO2 emissions by investing in projects that remove or sequester CO2. ForTomorrow offers an effective way to offset CO2 in Europe by planting mixed forests in Germany and buying EU emission rights away from e.g. coal-fired power plants.s

Overview of carbon offsetting

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting refers to the compensation of CO2 emissions caused by human activities such as the use of energy and transport. This can be done through supporting carbon offset projects aiming to remove an equivalent volume of CO2 from the atmosphere and thereby neutralising the effects of the emissions. Private individuals, companies and governments can offset carbon through direct investment in CO2 offsetting measures. The cost of carbon offsets can vary per tonne of CO2 and depends on a number of factors such as the quality of the project, the length of the project and how much CO2 is to be offset. Carbon offsetting can be achieved by either supporting projects that reduce CO2 emissions or those that neutralise CO2 emissions. The quality of the offset project determines whether offsetting CO2 is a viable option. If you want to offset carbon with ForTomorrow, you can choose between planting trees in Germany or decommissioning EU emission rights.

For example

With ForTomorrow we combine the two CO2 offsetting approaches to be able to offset CO2 in Europe as effectively as possible.

Reduce CO2: Buy EU emission rights and set them aside so that the EU is forced to emit less CO2.
Absorb CO2: Plant trees in Germany to remove already emitted CO2 out of the air.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/co2-offsetting.png" alt="Graphic about CO2 offsetting at ForTomorrow through canceling emission rights and planting trees in Germany" caption={<> You offset CO2 at ForTomorrow by deleting emission rights and planting trees in Germany </>} sizePreset="content" filter={true} />

Why choose carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsetting is a tool used to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), are one of the main drivers of climate change and have a negative impact on the environment and society. Through carbon offsetting, companies and individuals can offset their own carbon footprint by investing in projects that save or sequester a comparable amount of CO2. ForTomorrow is a carbon offset provider that effectively offsets CO2 in Europe through replanting forests and removing EU emission rights from the market.

Is carbon offsetting worthwhile?

Whether carbon offsetting is worthwhile depends on the ability of the climate protection measure to really reduce CO2. Carbon offsetting is essential to efforts aiming to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change. It is important to carefully review the practices and methods behind carbon offsetting to ensure their effectiveness. Our approach at ForTomorrow is to offset CO2 by replanting forests in Germany and taking EU emission rights away from CO2 emitters. For example, when you buy EU emission rights through ForTomorrow, you ensure that coal-fired power plants have fewer CO2 rights available. This means that they have to reduce their CO2 emissions. In other words, you are reducing CO2 emissions right on your doorstep and that is what makes ForTomorrow's offset approach so special.

The cost of carbon offsetting

How much does it cost to offset one tonne of CO2?

The cost of offsetting a tonne of CO2 can vary depending on the provider and the project. At ForTomorrow, the cost of offsetting one tonne of CO2 by planting trees is 25 euros. Offsetting a tonne of CO2 by buying emission rights costs 121 euros, and if you combine the two, it comes to 73 euros. This means that when you offset carbon with ForTomorrow through high-quality climate protection in Europe, you pay between 25 and 121 euros per tonne of CO2, depending on the offsetting method. Our price reflects our high standard of carbon offsetting.

How much do CO2 emission rights cost?

It is important to know that there is a distinction between carbon credits that companies can buy from the voluntary market and official EU emission rights. The prices for carbon credits from the voluntary market lie at around 25-30 euros per tonne of CO2. These credits generally aim to offset CO2 by planting trees or implementing other projects in the southern part of the globe. However, it is important to note that more and more often it has been observed that carbon credits from the voluntary market do not achieve the climate protection effect they promise. We therefore focus on EU emission rights. EU emission rights are the official climate protection tool of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). To offset one tonne of CO2 through EU-ETS, you pay 121 euros at ForTomorrow. This price reflects the high-quality climate protection effect in Europe.

How does emissions trading work?

With ForTomorrow we offer carbon offsetting in Germany and Europe.

What do you need to know about CO2 sequestration?

What best sequesters CO2?

Trees play an important role in CO2 sequestration. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, leaves and roots. This process helps to slow down the increase of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Trees thus help to combat climate change by storing CO2. Therefore, it is important to maintain and promote tree populations to improve CO2 sequestration.

What sequesters the most CO2?

There is no clear answer to this question, as it depends on many factors, such as cost, availability and efficiency. Some of the main systems and materials that sequester CO2 are: Trees and plants: Through the process of photosynthesis, trees and plants absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in their wood, leaves and roots. Biochar: Biochar is a highly porous, carbon-rich material obtained from biogenic waste such as plant residues and manure (also referred to as biomass). The biomass is burned in the absence of air at high temperatures to produce biochar. Biochar has a high potential for CO2 sequestration as it is a stable form of carbon that is retained over long periods of time. It can be incorporated into the soil to improve soil structure and fertility while sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere. Peatlands also play an important role in CO2 sequestration. Their potential capacity for carbon absorption and storage is high, especially the sequestration potential of the peat moss soils. Which of these is the best for sequestering CO2 depends on the specific needs and requirements of their application. However, in terms of the amount of carbon sequestered, trees and plants can make a significant contribution. Reforestation is one of the most effective methods of carbon sequestration, as trees and plants can absorb large amounts of CO2. Offsetting carbon by planting trees is therefore still the most efficient way to get CO2 out of the air.

Which plants absorb CO2?

There are many plant species that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, but some of the best CO2 sequestering plants are trees, algae and grasses. If you would like to know how much CO2 a tree absorbs, feel free to read our article: How much CO2 does a tree absorb per year?

Can you remove CO2 from the atmosphere?

Yes, there are technologies that can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, but these are still in the development stage and are mainly used in industrial applications. Carbon offsetting by planting trees in Germany is an effective way to protect the climate.

Summary of the article

Carbon offsetting refers to the process by which companies and individuals offset their CO2 emissions by investing in projects that remove or sequester the amount of CO2 in question. The cost of carbon offsetting can vary and depends on different factors such as the project and the amount of CO2 emissions to be offset. ForTomorrow is a carbon offset provider that offers carbon offsetting in Europe. With ForTomorrow, you can replant forests and remove EU emission rights from the market to help offset CO2 in Europe. It is important to ensure that carbon offset projects are effective by carefully reviewing the practices and methodologies behind them.

Conclusion

Carbon offsetting is a tool that helps to reduce CO2 emissions and combat climate change. It is important to carefully review the practices and methodologies behind carbon offset projects to ensure they have the promised impact. ForTomorrow offers an effective approach to carbon offsetting in Europe by replanting forests and removing EU emission rights from the market. Moreover, ForTomorrow is a gGmbH, i.e. a non-profit organisation. If you want to offset your CO2 emissions with ForTomorrow, you can deduct your donation from your taxes.

The 16 climate change tipping elements and their tipping points

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 12:12:41 GMT

You have probably seen the terms tipping elements and tipping points more and more in connection to climate change. They are part of our climate. But what exactly are they?s

What are tipping elements and tipping points in climate change?

Tipping elements are critical climate systems that are important for our Earth's climate. If these tipping elements change, the climate on our entire planet changes.

Tipping elements may pass a tipping point. Tipping points refer to critical thresholds in the climate system. If a tipping element crosses this threshold, a seemingly small change can lead to a sudden and irreversible change in the system.

Examples of tipping elements are the Amazon rainforest or the Arctic ice. If the temperature on Earth rises, these systems will be severely affected when a certain temperature is reached - the tipping point.

We use the word 'tipping' because these changes cannot be reversed once they occur. They have tipped over.

Imagine a pencil, balancing on the edge of a table. You keep pushing it forward. For a while, nothing happens. At some point, the pencil falls down. You cannot simply undo this process. The pencil lies on the floor. This is also the way tipping elements work.

Tipping elements can start to falter when our Earth warms by only a few degrees. We will no longer be able to reverse these changes. That is why we only have a limited amount of time to prevent this from happening.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/tipping-point-amazon-rainforest-picture.jpeg" alt="tipping point climate change, the amazon rainforest" caption={<> The Amazon rainforest is a famous tipping element for climate change. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

What are the climate tipping elements?

Let us use the Amazon rainforest as an example of tipping elements. If the Amazon rainforest dies, a chain of events is set in motion. This could happen if we warm our planet by over 2 degrees Celsius.

According to the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), the rainforest could reach its tipping point in the next 100 years due to global warming. This process would be sped up, however, if we continue to cut down the rainforest. Then, the process would take considerably less than 100 years. It is possible that the next generation of people will experience life on a planet without rainforest.

Tipping elements are complex. Every single one can trigger a large series of other events. And these in turn will trigger chain reactions. If the Amazon rainforest dies, it is not just the forest that is gone.

Regional weather may change. Less CO2 would be absorbed worldwide, leading to more global warming. In this world, all climate phenomena are interconnected.

Thomas Stocker, a Swiss climate scientist says:

There are various mechanisms behind each tipping element that may cause it to cross its tipping point. What these mechanisms have in common is that a change in their state could have consequences for the entire planet.

What are the consequences of tipping elements crossing their tipping point?

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/16-tipping-points.png" alt="tipping points climate" sizePreset="bigText" creditName="PIK" filter={false} caption={<> The PIK has identified 16 tipping elements crucial for our climate. </>} border={true} />

The PIK has identified 16 of these tipping elements, of which the rainforest is one. It concerns 9 global tipping elements and another 7 regional tipping elements.

Learn more about the 9 global tipping elements and their tipping points:

1. Greenland Ice Sheet

The entire island of Greenland is covered by a layer of ice that measures 3 kilometres thick in some places. As a result of global warming, the ice is now melting into the sea.

Should this tipping element cross its tipping point, Greenland would likely be ice-free for the next 10,000 years. Globally, sea levels would rise by about 7 metres.

This tipping point could be triggered by as little as 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming. Currently, we are estimated to be at 1.1 degrees of global warming.

2. Arctic Winter Sea Ice

The Arctic ocean is covered by sea ice throughout the year. The extent of the ice cover depends on the season.

Should the Arctic ocean become completely ice-free, the high northern latitudes will warm up twice as fast as the global average.

The Arctic tipping point is estimated to fall between 4.5 and 8.7 degrees Celsius.

3. Boreal Permafrost

The Arctic permafrost or permafrost soils have been frozen for centuries or even millenia. They are located in Siberia and North America.

If they were to thaw, they could release huge amounts of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide and methane. Several hundred billion tons of carbon are estimated to be stored in these so-called Yedoma soils at depths of more than three metres.

This tipping point could be activated at 4 degrees Celsius.

4. West Antarctic Ice Sheet

The West Antarctic ice sheet lies below sea level on the continental bedrock. At its deepest point, it reaches a depth of 2.5 kilometres below sea level.

At a 1.5 degree temperature increase, this ice could melt and cause the sea level to rise by 3 metres worldwide.

5. East Antarctic Ice Sheet

The East Antarctic ice sheet is by far the largest mass of ice on Earth.

The sheet contains enough ice to raise sea levels by 52 metres. The tipping point for this element lies at 7.5 degrees Celsius of global warming.

6. East Antarctica Subglacial Basins

Ice from subglacial basins in East Antarctica flows into the sea.

Three degrees of global warming is the tipping point for this element. Also in this case, sea levels would rise sharply as a result.

7. Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation

The overturning circulation of the Atlantic ensures that warm surface water is transported to the north. There, the water cools and sinks only to be transported south again. This process is called "thermohaline circulation". Cold salt water is needed for this process. When glaciers melt, more fresh water enters the circulation. The circulation of the Atlantic Ocean could be paralysed.

This could have serious effects on temperature and precipitation distribution. The tipping point could be reached at 4 degrees Celsius.

8. Labrador-Irminger Seas Convection

As part of the so-called subpolar gyre, there is an overturning current in the Labrador and Irminger seas. Similar to the overturning circulation of the Atlantic.

The tipping point for this element threatens to be crossed in the next few years. A global warming of 1.8 degrees Celsius would be sufficient.

Should the circulation collapse, the regional environment will cool by two to three degrees Celsius. This may lead to more extreme weather events in Europe.

9. Amazon rainforest

The Amazon rainforest in South America has a major impact on the global water and carbon cycles. It absorbs gigantic amounts of CO2 every year.

If we continue to deforest the Amazon and let fires spread, it can quickly reach the critical tipping point and die.

At 3.5 degrees Celsius, this tipping element could be triggered and the forest could die. It should be noted that deforestation has not been taken into account here.

What are the 7 regional tipping elements?

In addition to the global tipping elements, there are also regional tipping elements. These mainly have an impact on local climate conditions.

Nevertheless, regional tipping elements also have an impact on the planet as a whole. All climate systems are interconnected in various ways.

Here is a list of the 7 regional tipping elements:

Barents Sea Ice
Boreal Permafrost (abrupt thaw)
Extrapolar Glaciers
Northern Forest (southern dieback)
Northern Forest (northern expansion)
Low Latitude Coral Reefs
Sahel Vegetation and West African Monsoon

If we assume our current global warming trajectory, four tipping elements are currently at risk.

How are these tipping elements connected to our CO2 emissions?

CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming by trapping heat from the sun and shielding it in the Earth's atmosphere.

An increase in CO2 concentrations leads to more warming. Many tipping elements in the climate system are closely linked to CO2 as they are triggered by global warming.

For example, the depletion of Arctic sea ice can lead to more heat entering the Arctic Ocean, accelerating melting, which in turn leads to the release of methane from permafrost soils.

At ForTomorrow, we are reducing CO2 emissions in Europe. Find out how you can protect the climate with us.

How much CO2 does a tree absorb per year?

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 15:51:37 GMT

Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The mechanism behind this is called photosynthesis. Trees use photosynthesis to turn CO2 into carbon and then store this carbon in their wood. During this process oxygen is released. Forests are therefore important CO2 reservoirs and planting trees is an efficient measure in combating climate change. But how much carbon does a tree store per year?

CO2 storage in trees in one year

How much CO2 does a tree store per year?

Across all tree species, a tree stores an average of 24,08 kg of CO2 per year.

This has been calculated by looking at the amount of CO2 that is stored annually by the following tree species: oak, beech, spruce, fir, Douglas fir, pine and larch.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide over their entire lifetime and store it as carbon in their trunk. An 80-year-old beech tree, for example, has stored 1 389 kg of CO2 in its lifetime. If we now divide this by 80 years, we can conclude that beech stores about 17 kg of CO2 annually.

If we do the same for the oak, beech, spruce, fir, Douglas fir, pine and larch trees, we find that these tree species store an average of 24 kg of CO2 per year.

How much carbon a tree stores depends on several factors. The type of tree and its age are the most important criteria.

How much CO2 does each tree species store in a year?

The CO2 storage per tree varies greatly. Broad-leafed trees store more CO2 than conifers when they are fully grown. However, conifers grow much faster than broad-leafed trees. Therefore, spruce trees are able to store more carbon in 80 years than beech trees.

Yearly carbon storage per tree

Tree species	CO2 storage per tree, per year
Douglas fir	44,1 kg
Larch	32,8 kg
Fir	21,9 kg
Spruce	19,4 kg
Oak	17,4 kg
Beech	17,4 kg
Pine	14,7 kg

The data used for this calculation can be found in the German Forest Inventory 2022, the most up-to-date data on carbon storage in trees.

Which tree stores the most CO2 per year?

The Douglas fir stores the most CO2. An 80-year-old Douglas fir stores about 3 520 kg of CO2. Among the tree species discussed in this article, the Douglas fir therefore takes first place in terms of the amount of CO2 it stores.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/co2-baum/douglas-fir-stores-co2.webp" alt="Douglas fir's pine cones" caption={<> A douglas fir absorbs annually 44 kg CO2 </>} filter={true} />

How much CO2 do trees absorb in their lifetime?

Strictly speaking, trees do not store CO2, they store carbon. During photosynthesis, trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. They convert this CO2 into oxygen and carbon. Then they use the carbon to grow and store it in their wood mass.

By measuring how much carbon is stored in the wood, we know how much CO2 a tree has absorbed. We look at a period of 80 years to compare the carbon uptake of different tree species.

An 80-year-old tree's carbon absorption

Tree species	CO2 absorption per tree in 80 years
Douglas fir	3 526 kg
Larch	2 625 kg
Fir	1 753 kg
Spruce	1 548 kg
Oak	1 469 kg
Beech	1 389 kg
Pine	1 176 kg

These data are also from the German Forest Inventory 2022.

Why don't we just plant conifers if they store more CO2?

Conifers sequester a lot of CO2. However, monocultural coniferous forests provide a much poorer habitat for animals and plants than near-natural mixed forests.

The function of mixed forests goes far beyond that of a CO2 reservoir. Though at first glance coniferous forests appear to be the better choice to compensate for CO2 emissions, mixed tree systems as a whole are able to absorb more CO2.

This has to do with the quality of the soil. In a mixed forest, soil quality is better than in a coniferous forest. When needles fall, they decompose less quickly. As a result, the soil becomes increasingly acidic. This leads to fewer microorganisms. Foliage, on the other hand, makes the forest soil alkaline. This increases soil activity and more CO2 can be stored in the forest soil.

Mixed forests also offer the added value of biological diversity. By planting mixed forests at ForTomorrow, we promote species conservation. Flora and fauna are better coordinated. Biodiversity increases.

Do you want to calculate yourself how much CO2 trees store?

Then use our CO2 tree calculator. There, you can determine the storage capacity of trees based on the tree species, age, and quantity yourself.

CO2 compensation made easy: A beginner’s guide to CO2 offsetting

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 14:51:48 GMT

CO2 compensation helps you offset your CO2 emissions. On average, we all produce 9 tons of CO2 per year in Germany. One way to compensate for CO2 is through the EU emissions trading system. At ForTomorrow, we use the emissions trading system to offset your CO2 footprint.s

What is CO2 compensation?

CO2 compensation is the opportunity to offset the CO2 emissions you cause by financially supporting projects that remove or prevent CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

We all produce CO2 through our lifestyle. We can reduce our CO2 footprint by living sustainably. However, it is difficult for us to avoid all CO2 emissions nowadays.

You can offset CO2 emissions that you cannot save in your daily life by supporting climate protection projects. These projects remove CO2 from the atmosphere. You can then claim the saved amount of CO2. This makes you CO2 neutral.

There are different CO2 compensation providers. Many operate in the voluntary market. At ForTomorrow, we operate in the mandatory market. This means that we use the EU emissions trading system to offset CO2. The official climate protection tool of the European Union.

It is important that the climate protection project you support actually saves CO2. Look closely at how your favored project wants to save CO2.

How does CO2 compensation work at ForTomorrow?

When you take out a climate subscription with us, we offset your CO2 emissions through effective climate protection in Europe. We give you a certificate with all the information.

First, you choose how much CO2 you want to offset. Our CO2 compensation is based on our two unique approaches. With us, you offset CO2 by:

Buying and retiring CO2 rights from industry, such as coal-fired power plants. The industry can no longer use these CO2 rights. So we force them to emit less CO2. We thus reduce CO2 emissions in the EU.
Planting mixed forests in Germany. These filter CO2 from the air. The CO2 you pull out of the atmosphere offsets your CO2 footprint and accelerates the energy transition in Europe. You can choose whether you want to buy and retire emissions rights, plant trees, or do both in combination. We offer you 3 packages to offset your CO2 emissions. You can decide for yourself which one is the right one for you.

You can choose whether you want to buy and set aside carbon credits, plant trees, or do both in combination. We offer you 3 ways to offset CO2: the subscription, a single donation or as a gift.

We now want to give everyone the leverage to effectively offset CO2 emissions they can't yet avoid in their daily lives with us. That's why we offer CO2 offsets.

At the same time, we give our subscribers the leverage to make industry more sustainable in Europe through our unique offset approach. We offer CO2 offsets for companies and for you as an individual.

Feel free to check out our FAQs if you have more questions, and you can also find a lot of information on our blog.

We would be happy if you would join us in promoting high-quality climate protection in Europe.

What does 1 tonne of CO2 compensation cost at ForTomorrow?

The CO2 compensation price per tonne is made up of the costs of tree planting and EU emission rights at ForTomorrow. The price reflects the high quality of our compensation measures.

If you want to compensate for 1 tonne of CO2 with emission rights and trees, it currently costs 70 euros per tonne. If you only want to compensate for 1 tonne of CO2 through trees, that would cost 25 euros. The cost for CO2 compensation with emission rights alone is 114 euros per tonne.

If we plant trees in Germany, it costs about 10 times as much as in developing countries. However, we can offer you the security in Germany, thanks to the Federal Forest Act, that your planted forest will also be preserved in the long term.

The price of emission rights has fortunately increased. For years it was only 6 € per tonne of CO2. This gave the economy hardly any incentives to emit less CO2. In the meantime, a tonne of CO2 in the emissions trading system costs over 82 € (excluding VAT). But even this is still too low for the transformation to a climate-friendly economy.

Sweden, for example, has a CO2 price of 114 € per tonne and is probably the first industrial nation to achieve climate neutrality.

We try to keep our subscription prices constant over longer periods of time. To do this, we purchase a larger quantity of emission rights at favourable times. In the next step, we predict how the CO2 price will develop over the year.

We communicate transparently at all times when we adjust our prices.

What does CO2 compensation bring you?

Currently, it is extremely difficult to live CO2 neutral. Electricity, clothing, public transport - if you use these products, you produce CO2. This will remain the case until we can operate in a CO2-neutral way in the future.

If you want to reduce CO2 emissions now, CO2 compensation can bring you a lot. You can compensate for the CO2 emissions that you cannot yet avoid in your daily life, e.g. with ForTomorrow.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/kohlekraftwerk-co2-ausstoss.jpg" alt="A coal power plant emits CO2" caption={<> Through CO2 offsetting you compensate for CO2 emissions that you cannot yet avoid in everyday life </>} creditName="canva" filter={true} />

How does CO2 compensation work effectively?

In short: A CO2 compensation measure makes sense if it works. Pay attention also to an 'additionality'. That means: Without the mechanism of CO2 compensation, the climate protection project would not exist.

It must be an additional climate protection measure. An existing forest does not meet this criterion. Its CO2 reduction capacity is probably already included in the country's CO2 balance. That is why we are always reforesting in Germany. We also buy up emission rights and set them aside. This is how we prevent CO2 from being emitted in the EU.

Why is it worth it for you to donate to climate protection now?

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:22:50 GMT

It has been known since the 1850s, we are heating our earth by emitting greenhouse gases. The IPPC report 2022 and the climate conference COP27 show: Our governments are not doing enough to stop climate change. Currently, we are moving towards a global warming of 3 degrees Celsius, with severe consequences for us humans and all animals. What can you do to protect the climate now?s

How does your donation for climate protection work?

If you want to protect the climate, you can support a climate protection organization. This climate protection organization then invests your money in measures to protect the climate. We at ForTomorrow are also a climate protection organization. If you direct your donation for climate protection to us, we plant climate-resilient mixed forests in Germany and buy CO2 rights from industry, e.g. coal-fired power plants. By planting trees, you ensure that CO2 is taken out of the air. If you buy CO2 rights from industry, CO2 emissions in the European Union will fall. This has the double advantage that you reduce CO2 and absorb CO2 from the air. At ForTomorrow you will always be informed how your donation is used for climate protection.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/fortomorrow-donation-climate-protection.jpg" alt="" caption={<> With your donation for climate protection, we at ForTomorrow plant trees in Germany and cancel EU emission rights </>} sizePreset="bigText" />

How do you know if your donation for climate protection is being used correctly?

When you donate to climate protection, take a close look at the organization. Check how the climate protection organization invests your money.

1. Transparency: Can you find numbers? Can you find business reports?

Transparency is extremely important in climate protection. You want your donation to be invested wisely. If you can't find exact details, ask directly.

2. Organization: What type of company is it?

Is your chosen climate protection organization a commercial enterprise or a non-profit? As a non-profit company, we at ForTomorrow are legally obligated to spend your donation in climate protection. This gives you more security.

3. Activity: What does your climate protection organization do to protect the climate?

See if it sounds logical what your favorite climate protection organization does. If you choose a company that operates in Germany or Europe, you can more easily control how your money is used. In addition, we have stricter laws in Europe that provide you with additional safeguards. For example, we only reforest in Germany. Our forests are protected by the Federal Forest Act. Our forests cannot simply be cut down and must be replanted if they are damaged.

Argument of climate protection critics: Climate protection harms the economy?

The opposite is true. Fossil fuels are limited. If we expand renewable forms of energy now, we will become economically less dependent on limited resources. Wind, solar and hydroelectric power can shape our future sustainably. So climate protection is also about protecting our economy. And an investment in our future.

What is the 1.5 degree target?

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 15:55:18 GMT

The 1.5 and 2 degree targets are both part of the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015. Almost every country in the world ratified the Paris Climate Agreement. The goal of the agreement is to combat global climate change and minimise its negative impacts. The 1.5 and 2 degree targets refer to limiting the global temperature increase that started during the industrial revolution of 1850 in order to minimise the adverse effects of climate change.s

Why do we have a 1.5 degree target and a 2 degree target?

1.5 degrees Celsius is an important threshold. A temperature rise of over 1.5 degrees will result in increasingly severe consequences. The 1.5 degree target was chosen based on scientific assessments. They found that if we exceed a temperature increase of 1.5 degrees, we can expect serious consequences for the climate, sea levels, coastal life and ecosystems. A 2018 study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) found that an increase in global average temperature of more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels has significantly more implications for nature, society and the economy. This is the reason why the 1.5 degree target became part of the Paris Climate Agreement.

The 1.5 degree target was adopted as part of the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015. It serves to inform government policy aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the consequences of a changing climate.

Why does the 1.5 degree target refer to 1850?

The goal of climate change discourse is to limit global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius compared to temperatures in 1850, when the Industrial Revolution began. Research has shown that global warming as a result of human influence has been more pronounced since the beginning of industrialisation. Therefore, the pre-industrial global average temperature is taken as a reference point.

How is the 1.5 degree target affected by our CO2 emissions?

The 1.5 degree target in the Paris Climate Agreement refers to limiting the global temperature increase to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 compared to pre-industrial times. This goal is to be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. One of the biggest culprits is the CO2 emissions from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. Therefore, CO2 emissions play a crucial role in achieving the 1.5 degree target and in efforts to combat climate change.

What was decided at the Paris Climate Agreement?

The goal of limiting global warming to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius compared to the temperature in 1850 was politically recognised. The Paris Climate Agreement, signed by 197 countries, includes a commitment by participants to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to limit the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees, ideally 1.5 degrees, by 2100.

Signatories include Germany, China, Brazil, Russia, Australia and many more. Syria and Nicaragua initially refused, but have now joined.

What happens if we do not reach the 1.5 degree target?

The goal of the Paris Climate Agreement is to limit the average global temperature to 1.5-2 degrees Celsius by the year 2100 compared to the pre-industrial era (around 1850). Climate researchers can use computer models to calculate the possible effects of such warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a special report in 2018 in which it examined the consequences of a warming of 1.5 or 2 degrees.

A global temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius may seem little, but it would be disastrous. Since the global average temperature contains the average of temperatures from all over the world including all seasons, a warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius can mean considerably more warming in certain regions and during certain seasons.

These scenarios could occur if we miss the 1.5 degree target

Our planet warms by 1.5 degrees

This is a scenario that could occur as early as 2026 if we continue to emit as much CO2 as we do now. Extreme weather events will increase. Our harvests will be poorer. And there will be a heightened risk of food shortages.

Our planet warms by 2 degrees

With 2 degrees of global warming, we will be plagued by more heat waves. At the same time, we will have to live with many regions being flooded more frequently.

Our planet warms by 3 degrees

This is the scenario we are likely to face if we do not reduce our CO2 emissions now. At 3 degrees global warming, we set in motion an uncontrollable climate spiral, the consequences of which are difficult to assess. Famine is likely for billions of people. This increases the risk of war.

Our planet warms by 4 degrees

If we emit even more CO2 than we do at present, we will reach a global warming of 4 degrees Celsius. Most ecosystems will collapse. There will be severe heat waves in summer. Many cities will be flooded.

Our planet warms by 5 degrees

If we reach 5 degrees of global warming, Earth will be a greenhouse. Most of our planet will be uninhabitable. The total number of people living on Earth could fall to 1 billion.

Will you live to see global warming of more than 1.5 degrees?

Perhaps you are wondering whether you will live to see the climate crisis. The following graph aims to provide a clear answer.

If you're between 20 and 29 years old right now, you're likely to see global warming of 2.5 degrees Celsius.

If you are just under 10 years old, you could experience even more than 3 degrees Celsius of global warming.

Why do we have a global warming or climate crisis today?

We have been burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil for decades. This is how we generate electricity. At the same time, we are cutting down huge areas of forest worldwide.

Science has proven beyond doubt that this causes gigantic amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This CO2 heats up our atmosphere, a process we refer to as the greenhouse effect. You can read about how the greenhouse effect works here.

This greenhouse effect is now causing the temperature on Earth to rise sharply. The climate crisis has a big impact on us humans. Heat waves, droughts and floods are just a few of the extreme weather events that are coming our way.

Why are all the trees in the Harz Mountains in the middle of Germany dying?

If we miss the 1.5 degree target, the climate crisis continues (Photo: imago images/Christian Grube)

Anyone who goes hiking in the Harz Mountains is shocked to discover the spruce forests are dying. 20,000 hectares of spruce forest have died in the Harz district - most of those trees are in the Harz National Park, which straddles the states of Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.

4 out of 5 trees are already dead. Climate change is one of the main causes of this massive forest dieback in the Harz region. Heat waves and water shortages are increasingly causing problems for the forests. The climate crisis is approaching our doorstep.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/globale-erwaermung-1400x1400-2.jpg" alt="klimakrise und baumsterben im harz" caption={<> One of the main reasons why the spruces in the Harz Mountains are dying: the climate crisis </>} creditName="imago images/Christian Grube" filter={true} />

Is Germany doing enough to reach the 1.5 degree target?

At the moment, it looks like Germany will not reach the 1.5 degree target in time. Germany has taken some measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, but these are not enough to meet the Paris climate targets by 2030. We need to promote the expansion of renewable energies in order to reach the 1.5 degree goal.

What can you do now to stop global warming?

We must quickly reduce our CO2 emissions. To do this, we as citizens have to convince industries to do more to protect the climate. At ForTomorrow, we therefore buy CO2 rights away from industry. Coal power plants, for example, will then be legally obliged to reduce their CO2 emissions immediately. We also plant sustainable, climate-resilient mixed forests in Germany.

Find out more

3 reasons for you why climate protection is the best Christmas present 2022

Fri, 02 Dec 2022 14:04:59 GMT

You know it, every year the search starts in December: Which Christmas gift do I get for colleagues, friends or my family? It's even more difficult when you want to find a sustainable Christmas gift. This year, why not give climate protection as a Christmas gift? Here are 3 reasons why our Climate Gift Subscription is the perfect 2022 sustainable Christmas gift.s

1. The Climate Gift Subscription is a sustainable Christmas gift

With your gift you plant trees in Germany and buy CO2 rights away from the industry. In this way, you reduce the EU's CO2 emissions. The Climate Gift Subscription also requires no packaging material. And it is not transported expensive and climate-unfriendly.

2. The climate gift subscription is super fast with you

You simply fill out the online form, which takes less than 1 minute. Thus, the gift is super suitable for you if you are still looking for a gift last minute.

3. You can personalize your climate gift subscription

Just enter your name and the name of the person you want to give a gift to. You will then receive your personal gift certificate as a PDF. You can print it out or send it digitally. Here you can book your climate gift subscription. Whether as a Christmas gift for business partners, as a Christmas gift for business customers or as a Christmas gift for companies - you can decide for yourself who you want to surprise with your Christmas gift.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/christmas-gift-certificate-comp-2-3-en-min.jpg" alt="Christmas gift 2022 climate protection" caption={<> Make climate protection a Christmas gift </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

What is greenwashing—and how do you recognise it?

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 13:16:32 GMT

Environmental protection is becoming increasingly important. As a consumer, you may also be increasingly paying attention to the fact that products are sustainable. No wonder that companies want to take advantage of this trend. They try to present themselves to you as particularly sustainable. Read on if you want to know what greenwashing is and how you can better recognise it.s

What is greenwashing?

The dictionary says:

Greenwashing is the attempt by companies or institutions to present themselves as particularly environmentally aware and environmentally friendly by making monetary donations to ecological projects, PR measures or similar.

Let's take a closer look at the word. The word 'green' here stands for nature, environment or socially sustainable. Washing' means washing oneself clean of responsibility. Translated, greenwashing means giving oneself an image of sustainability. Although the company in question is not sustainable.

You can recognise greenwashing when a company presents itself as overly sustainable. If you look behind the façade, you will quickly discover practices that are harmful to the climate or socially. With all the sustainability seals and eco-labels, we might think: Hey, we are already climate-friendly everywhere. But the climate crisis rages on. There are services or products that quite objectively simply cannot be environmentally friendly. We need to know that.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/greenwashing-beispiel-duschgel.jpg" alt="greenwashing example shower gel" caption={<> This shampoo advertises that the wild mint in the product is 100% natural. Yet the product consists mainly of artificial ingredients. As you can see on the back of the product. </>} filter={true} />

Why do companies do greenwashing?

I have a background in marketing. "There is a truth in every product" is an old marketing wisdom. It is not immediately wrong to find a special product feature. And to develop a creative communication strategy based on it. In practice, however, marketers like to invent sales benefits for products. Sometimes marketing departments invoke a completely trivial feature of a product. In this way, they conceal other climate-damaging features by means of communication. It may be that an ingredient of a shampoo is natural. The company can also advertise that. However, the fact that this product consists of many artificial ingredients is concealed. In practice, this leads to products being falsely perceived as sustainable. This is a problem, because we urgently need real sustainability.

What does it look like when companies do greenwashing?

Every year, the environmental protection association 'Deutsche Umwelthilfe' nominates companies that present themselves as particularly sustainable but then act in an environmentally harmful way. "In reality, none of the nominated products makes a positive contribution to climate and environmental protection; they only drive us deeper into the climate crisis. With the Golden Vulture Award, we are drawing attention to this misguided development," says Barbara Metz, Federal Executive Director of Deutsche Umwelthilfe.

Shell's CO2-neutral refuelling

In a current campaign, Shell offers you to pay 1.1 cents per litre of petrol and then drive CO2-neutral. Many environmentalists' jaws drop at this. The fact is: Shell and CO2-neutral? That is wrong on many levels. Shell emits 1.6 billion tonnes of CO2 annually. This makes the company one of the biggest drivers of the climate crisis. 1.1 cents per litre of petrol means we only have to spend 225 million euros a year to make all fuel consumption in Germany immediately climate-neutral. The Federal Environment Agency says we need at least 10 billion to offset the CO2 emissions of petrol consumption. High-quality CO2 compensation costs much more than 1.1 cents. Moreover, Shell does not specify how it intends to offset CO2 at all.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/greenwashing-beispiel-shell.jpg" alt="Shell Greenwashing" caption={<> Shell advertises CO2-neutral refuelling. Yet Shell is responsible for annual CO2 emissions of 1.6 billion tonnes of CO2. </>} creditName="focus" filter={true} />

Volvic's recycled plastic bottles

Volvic advertises that their plastic bottles are environmentally friendly. After all, they are made of recycled materials. But they are not at all: plastic remains plastic. Recycled plastic is better than newly produced plastic. But that does not make it environmentally friendly. Water is available regionally in Germany. It is better to offer water in returnable bottles. They can be refilled up to 50 times. Moreover, the delivery routes for Volvic produce additional CO2.

Lululemon's yoga clothing made from fossil fuels

Almost all yoga fans have at least one piece of clothing from the fashion company Lululemon. The company advertises with the slogan 'Be Human, be Well, be Planet'. However, the company is currently facing accusations: Many of the company's products are made with energy from fossil fuels. "Practice what you preach!" therefore demand yoga fans worldwide. The company is already responding. "It is a member of working groups that are committed to phasing out the direct use of coal at selected suppliers," reports Die Zeit.

How do you recognise greenwashing?

Now we have already looked at some examples. How can you now be sure that you are confronted with greenwashing?

Look for figures that prove environmental protection

Always look for real numbers behind products. Look at the website. Are the claims really true - can the argument be substantiated? Is the company transparent in what it does? Are there annual reports? You should be particularly alert if you don't get concrete figures or sources even when you ask.

Watch out for misleading advertising claims

Vegan is often associated with organic quality. However, vegan primarily means animal-free. Plastic is mostly animal-free. So it is vegan. Does that make a plastic bag organic? No. Check what terms mean and how they are used. Even if something sounds "green", it doesn't have to be environmentally friendly.

Recognise red herrings

Let's say a petroleum company is advertising to buy a new e-car. Is this company now climate-friendly? No, it isn't. Highlighting irrelevant facts as special: this is a strategy of greenwashing.

You can spot greenwashing everywhere if you look closer

We know how advertising works. Sustainability and environmental protection are the topics of the day. It's clear that some brands are jumping on the bandwagon and 'greenwashing'. All the more reason to take a closer look. Never before has it been more important to take a look behind the scenes and ask questions. It is in our hands. It is the only way to find truly green companies, organisations and people who want to shape our future. Don't forget: the choices you make about what you consume can change the world.

How can you protect the climate in Europe with ForTomorrow?

We cannot yet prevent CO2 from being produced in all areas of life. Even if you take the train, you still often produce CO2. Over long distances, the train still runs on fossil fuel. In everyday life, we use many products that are not yet climate-neutral. We offer you the opportunity to compensate for the CO2 emissions that you cannot yet prevent. We achieve this through secure climate protection in Europe. We buy away CO2 rights from coal power plants and cancel them. At the same time, we plant climate-resilient mixed forests in Germany.

What do you need to know about COP27 in Egypt?

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 12:42:52 GMT

You've probably already heard about the COP27 in the media. The international climate conference COP27 is dominating the headlines right now. What is the COP27 about? And can it help solve the world's most pressing environmental problems?

What is the COP27?

The <Dfn phrase="COP" /> is the official UN climate conference. It takes place in Egypt, in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh. The COP is now in its 27th year. The three letters COP stand for 'Conference of the Parties', which means nothing more than the General Assembly of the UN member states.

At COP27, the UN member states meet to discuss climate protection. The UN is an international association of 193 states. COP27 is an abbreviation that is easier for you to pronounce. COP27 stands for 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 27th Conference of the Parties'. Since 1995, heads of state and government, politicians, experts and many other people have been meeting to discuss the climate crisis on a global level. The summit lasts two weeks.

Where will the COP27 take place?

This year, COP27 will take place in Egypt, in the city of Sharm el-Sheikh. Sharm el-Sheikh is an Egyptian resort town on the Sinai Peninsula, located between the desert and the Red Sea. The town is known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs. The UN Climate Change Conference COP27 will take place from 6 to 18 November 2022.

Who takes part in the COP27?

The annual conferences are attended by representatives of all countries that signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 30 years ago. This is a document from 1992 in which all signatories agree to combat the consequences of climate change. 197 countries have signed this agreement. All UN member states have signed the UNFCCC, as have Palestine, the Cook Islands and Niue. The Holy See is also an observer to the agreement.

Every year, representatives of these parties meet at the Conference of the Parties (COP) to find measures against climate change. After the COP26 in Glasgow last year, the 27th COP will take place in Egypt this year. 45,000 people are expected to attend. Highlights on Monday and Tuesday are speeches by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. US President Joe Biden plans to attend the UN conference on Friday.

What will the participants discuss at COP27?

The two-week negotiations will open with a world summit of heads of state and government on 7 and 8 November. Government representatives will then address some of the most important climate issues, including finance, decarbonisation, adaptation, and agriculture. The second week will focus on big issues such as gender, water and biodiversity.

António Guterres says in a speech to dozens of heads of state and government in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday:

We are on the highway to climate hell—with our foot on the accelerator.

António Guterres is the UN Secretary-General. He is convinced that we are fighting the battle of our lives right now and losing if we do not respond now.

"A third of Pakistan has been flooded. The hottest summer in Europe in 500 years. There's been a crack-up in the Philippines. All of Cuba has blackouts," António Guterres listed. He added that Hurricane Ian in the US "provided a brutal reminder that no country or economy is immune from the climate crisis".

So the dangers of the climate crisis are well known to the actors at COP27. In 2015, many countries agreed on a 1.5 degree target in Paris. This means that we will not exceed a global warming of 1.5 degrees. If our global temperatures rise above 1.5 degrees, we face serious consequences. Among other things, a sharp rise in sea levels.

Here is a timetable of events at COP27

What do we as ForTomorrow expect from COP27?

With ForTomorrow, we are committed to the 1.5 degree target. Currently, far too little is being done to limit our global warming to 1.5 degrees. The global average temperature is already around 1.15 degrees above the pre-industrial average. We have less than 7 years left if we emit as much CO2 as we do now. That's why we want to see action to make our economy 1.5 degrees compliant. We are watching to see if COP27 plays its part in this.

What results will the 2022 COP27 climate conference bring us?

Delegates decide on a compensation fund for poor states

The compensation fund for poorer states is probably the most important outcome of COP27. For 30 years, smaller island states and countries in the global South have wanted compensation. Climate change has left them struggling with rising sea levels, tsunamis, heavy rains, droughts and many other extreme weather events. Yet they are least responsible for climate change. Industrially developed countries emit much more CO2 than poorer countries. The CO2 footprint in Germany is 9 tons per person per year. In Burundi, it is only 0.06 tons. At the same time, poorer countries are hit harder by the consequences of climate change. The compensation fund for poorer countries is a huge step towards more climate justice.

Agriculture moves further into the focus of climate protection

At the COP27 climate conference in Sharm el-Sheikh, there will be a separate pavilion for the first time where food and agriculture will be discussed. The organization 'Action against Hunger' confirms that the focus is indeed on smallholder farmers. Farmers, especially women, are considered as key actors for change and indigenous knowledge is recognized. The program of the so-called 'Koronivia Joint Work on Agriculture' (KJWA) is extended for another 4 years. Koronivia was established at COP23 2017 in Bonn, Germany. Many countries have joined forces to figure out how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture.

The global food system is responsible for about 1/3 of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet 800 million people worldwide do not have enough to eat. That's about 10% of the world's population. One of the biggest causes of this hunger is extreme weather events, which are a consequence of the climate crisis. Fields wither due to droughts, floods destroy crops and wash away fertile soil. There is extreme food insecurity in 27 of the 35 countries most affected by the climate crisis.

Financial system to be transformed to make it easier for countries to invest sustainably

The final document states for the first time that a 'transformation of the financial system' is needed to pay for renewable energy investments. Parties call on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank to use the full 'breadth of their instruments' to do so.

This means that the IMF can also release special drawing rights. Special drawing rights are more or less artificial money. This artificial money is not traded on markets. It is distributed to countries that can use this money as a reserve to pay for the damage caused by the climate crisis. The IMF released special drawing rights, for example, after the global financial crisis in 2008. In the run-up to COP27, the prime minister of the Caribbean island of Barbados, Mia Mottley, called for special drawing rights worth $500 billion. Mottley is expected to come up with a concrete proposal by February.

This step is important. Countries in the Global South have been paying twice because of the climate crisis. First, they suffer major damage. And then they have to take out loans to restructure their economies in a CO2-neutral way. Interest rates on the international financial market are usually 1-4% for the G7 countries. But for the Global South, it's as high as 14%, Mottley charges.

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados says:

How can companies make $200 billion in profits in the last 3 months and not expect to pay at least 10 cents of every dollar of profit into a fund for loss and damage?

The key now is to look forward.

We have it in our hands. COP27 can be an opportunity for climate protection. In the next few years, we must reduce our CO2 emissions in Europe and around the world. The next few years are crucial for our future. With ForTomorrow, we will therefore continue to drive forward climate protection. Together, we will achieve the energy transition and solve the greatest challenge of our time.

Sources

Euronews Green, Handelsblatt, Manager Magazin, UNFCCC, Süddeutsche Zeitung, laenderdaten(.)info, Perspective Daily.

Post preview picture by WDR.

Why switching to green energy in Europe won't save the climate

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:29:20 GMT

Admittedly, this sounds controversial. Actually, it's a simple fact. The reason for this is the EU Emissions Trading System we have in Europe, which legally regulates the CO2 emissions of many industries, including electricity production. So what happens when you switch to green electricity?

In Europe, we have an institutional climate protection scheme, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU-ETS). This legally regulates CO2 emissions across the European Union for many sectors of the economy—such as power generation and air travel within Europe. The EU-ETS determines how much CO2 these sectors are allowed to emit. Like all free markets, it works on the basis of supply and demand. Companies can buy or sell emission rights. If emission rights are released, they may be used elsewhere to emit CO2.

Why doesn't choosing green energy in the EU reduce emissions?

As an EU citizen, if you decide to switch to green electricity from now on, that's good for you personally, of course. You will no longer be supporting a coal power plant. As a result, the coal power plant in question will generate less electricity. This is because coal power plants are included in the EU-ETS. This means that the plant necessarily needs fewer CO2 rights. Unfortunately, these CO2 rights don't simply disappear, they've just become available again. Another company can then buy them and use them to emit CO2. So the total amount of CO2 in the EU doesn't go down at all when you switch to green power. The right to emit only moves from one source to another.

Does choosing green energy still make sense?

Even if your choice of green energy has no impact on the European Union's CO2 emissions, the switch is an investment in the future of sustainable energy in Europe. We must expand renewable energy in order to solve both world energy crises and the climate crisis. Since we're operating within the EU-ETS in Europe, we must use this system to accelerate our transition to renewable energy as quickly as possible. Emissions trading is indeed a highly effective tool to force industry to expand renewable energy. However, the urgency of our climate crisis urges us to ask ourselves: Is there more we can be doing?

How can we have the greatest positive impact on the climate?

In Europe, the number of emission rights is not unlimited. The EU-ETS is responsible for determining how much CO2 may be emitted each year. As the amount of emission rights released is reduced year-to-year, emissions in regulated industries necessarily come down as well. The problem is, the regulatory cap on emissions is coming down far too slowly to address the climate crisis. The quickest path to a meaningful reduction in CO2 emissions in the EU is to additionally cancel emission rights.

At ForTomorrow, we aim to beat the system by using the system. We're buying up emissions rights and setting them aside unused. This means fewer CO2 rights are available for purchase, forcing large emitters to cut back. This is the most effective approach for individuals to sustainably reduce CO2 in Europe.

Ecological Footprint: What is an ecological footprint?

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 09:59:50 GMT

The ecological footprint indicates how stressful humans are on nature. How is it calculated?s In 2022, Earth Overshoot Day Germany was on May 4th. This marks the day in the year when all the resources the earth can regenerate within a year are used up. A sad record and a devastating balance sheet – our ecological footprint is too high. From this day on, we've been living on credit – we borrow our wealth by exploiting the earth. All the renewable resources on earth would not be sufficient if everyone lived like us. Every year, the ecological footprint of Germany gets bigger, which means that every year we exploit our planet a little more. In 2021, Earth Overshoot Day Germany fell on May 5th.

What is the ecological footprint?

The ecological footprint makes visible the influence that humans have on the earth's resources. It indicates how much of the earth we need to secure our modern lifestyle. In other words: how much of the earth's area do we need to provide food, energy or shelter? Small hint: We consume far too much.

Food, livestock, our heating systems – everything puts a strain on natural resources. The ecological footprint is calculated by comparing our actual consumption of resources with the total biocapacity of the earth. From this, we can calculate how large the maximum ecological footprint can be in order not to harm the earth. The ecological footprint is given in "global hectares", abbreviated: gha.

How big is the average ecological footprint in Germany?

It would be perfect if we all consumed what is available to us – but unfortunately this is not the case. In Germany, about 1.6 gha are available to each person. The ecological footprint per capita is currently far higher – at 4.7 gha. The frightening truth is that if everyone on earth lived like we do in Germany, we would need three earths.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/oekologischer_fussabdruck_statista.png" alt="Graphic, the ecological footprint of all countries worldwide" caption={<> The ecological footprint per capita per country </>} creditName="statista.com" filter={true} />

The ecological footprint and the CO2 footprint – Which is which?

In addition to the ecological footprint, there is another method to determine the influence of humans on the climate – the CO2 footprint. The CO2 footprint indicates how many tons of CO2 we all produce through our daily lifestyle. Our goal with ForTomorrow is to reduce everyone's CO2 footprint to just one ton per year – and to stop the climate crisis. Currently, we are at about 9 tons per year in Germany.

How do we prevent CO2 emissions and protect our climate?

Our goal at ForTomorrow is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions so that Europe will be climate-neutral before 2040 – so that we can stop the climate crisis. To this end, we use the European Emissions Trading Scheme.

The EU Emissions Trading scheme is THE climate protection tool of the European Union. Large CO2e emitters have to buy CO2 rights in the EU. If they do not, massive penalties will be due and the emission rights will have to be submitted later. By also buying these EU emission allowances and shutting them down unused, ForTomorrow reduces the amount of CO2 that can be emitted by industry in total. Put simply: when we buy the emission allowances, coal-fired power plants cannot emit as much CO2 in the EU.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/barfuss_laufen.jpeg" alt="woman walking barefoot on a tree trunk in the forest" caption={<> CO2 compensation offsets your carbon footprint </>} creditName="Michal Parzuchowski" filter={true} />

Sources:

Bocksch, R. (2022). Ökologischer Fußabdruck. Die Welt ist nicht genug. [accessed 28.06.2022].

footprintnetwork.org. Country Trends. [accessed 28.06.2022].

Schneider, G., Toyka-Seid, C. (2022). Ökologischer Fußabdruck. [accessed 28.06.2022].

welthungerhilfe.de. (2022). Auf großem Fuß: Was ist der ökologische Fußabdruck?. [accessed 28.06.2022].

Zeit. (2022). Overshoot Day: Deutschland hat Ressourcen für 2022 bereits am 4. Mai verbraucht. [accessed 28.06.2022].

CO2, CO2e or CO2eq—yes, what now?

Tue, 31 May 2022 15:29:09 GMT

Different greenhouse gasses have different effects. To compare different greenhouse gasses, there are CO2 equivalents: CO2e or CO2eq for short. Which greenhouse gasses have which share in the climate crisis?s

Greenhouse gases are the most important factor in global warming. CO2 is the main contributor. We use CO2e or CO2eq to compare different greenhouse gases with CO2.

What is the greenhouse effect?

Every day, the sun sends rays of light to Earth. When these touch the earth's surface, they are reflected and converted into heat rays. The heat rays then make their way back into space. But the greenhouse gasses prevent them from making the return journey. Similar to a glass roof, they trap the heat in the atmosphere. The more greenhouse gasses we artificially produce now, the denser the roof and the greenhouse effect becomes.

What greenhouse gasses are there—and why should we be afraid of cow burps?

On 11 December 1997, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or Kyoto Protocol for short, defined six climate-damaging greenhouse gasses: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrogen-containing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (HFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Since 2015, nitrogen trifluoride has also been added (NF3).

In Germany, 87.1 percent of the release of greenhouse gasses is attributable to carbon dioxide, 6.5 percent to methane, 4.6 percent to nitrous oxide and around 1.7 percent to F-gasses (as of 2020).

**Many greenhouse gasses have a stronger climate impact than CO2 but are present in the atmosphere in smaller quantities. Here is a comparison:

Greenhouse Gas	Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies
Methane	25 CO2e
Nitrous oxide	298 CO2e
CFCs	up to several 1000 CO2e

This means that one ton of methane contributes 25 times more to climate change than one ton of CO2.

What does all this have to do with cow burps?

Every three minutes at the latest, gas escapes a cow—totalling an annual average of over 100 kilograms of methane. In terms of its climate-damaging effect, this corresponds to CO2 emissions of 18,000 kilometers driven by car. A further 90 kilograms of methane per year are produced by their feces.

How do we prevent the greenhouse effect and save our climate?

Our goal at ForTomorrow is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in such a way that we in Europe will be climate-neutral by 2040—so we can stop the climate crisis. To this end, we use the European Emissions Trading Scheme.

THE EU Emissions Trading scheme is THE climate protection tool for the European Union. Large CO2e emitters must buy CO2 rights in the EU. If they do not, there will be massive penalties and the emission rights will have to be submitted later. By buying these EU emission allowances and shutting them down unused, we at ForTomorrow are reducing the amount of CO2e that can be emitted by the industry as a whole. Put simply: We buy the rights that the coal-fired power plants need to emit CO2e in the EUso they can emit less.

Sources and further information

All sources are in German.

Umweltbundesamt (11.08.2021): Wie funktioniert der Treibhauseffekt, accessed on 03.05.2022.- Umweltbundesamt (23.04.2021): Klima und Treibhauseffekt, accessed on 03.05.2022.- Umweltbundesamt (05.07.2021): Die Treibhausgase, accessed on 03.05.2022.- S. Brockhaus (18.05.2019): CO2-Äquivalente: Was diese Angabe bedeutet, accessed on 03.05.2022.- Studyflix: Treibhauseffekt einfach erklärt, accessed on 04.05.2022.- ARD alpha (08.04.2022): Rülpser und Pupse setzen Methan frei, accessed on 04.05.2022.

Cryptocurrency – How harmful are Bitcoin, Ethereum etc. for the environment?

Tue, 03 May 2022 10:19:30 GMT

For some, they are the future of financial business, for others digital gimmicks: cryptocurrencies divide the world. Perhaps even in the truest sense of the word when it comes to their CO2 balance.s

The mining of Bitcoin in 2017 alone caused emissions of 69 million tons of carbon dioxide. This is almost 2% of the carbon emitted bythe entire European Union. A blockchain transaction consumes as much electricity as an entire household in a week – and there are over 300,000 such transactions each day. The energy for this, in turn, is often obtained from fossil fuels. This leads to a devastating CO2 balance. According to a study by the University of Hawaii at Manoa, if Bitcoin continues to be used as it is now, it could generate enough emissions to raise global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius by 2033 – an ecological disaster.

Why does Bitcoin consume so much energy?

Dollars, euros and other currencies are printed, but where does Bitcoin come from? Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency thatis generated by "mining." In the case of Bitcoin, the concept behind it is called "proof of work." Graphics cards are particularly suitable for this because they can "calculate" faster than other processors. However, if a graphics card generates Bitcoin under full load, it consumes electricity. A lot of electricity. According to the New York Times, Bitcoin mining consumes about 91 terawatt hours annually. This is more than the annual electricity consumption of the whole of Finland – a country of 5.5 million inhabitants. That's almost 0.5% of total global electricity consumption and a 10-fold increase compared to just five years ago. It's an irrefutable fact that more and more coins are being mined: there were just 11 million bitcoins in 2013 and now there are 17 million in total in 2018.

Green Cryptocurrency? Proof of Stake

Some experts are already predicting the demise of Bitcoin due to its environmental cost. Elon Musk triggered a storm of indignation in 2021 when he stopped accepting Bitcoin as a means of payment at Tesla. Professor Roger Wattenhofer from ETH Zurich is also critical of Bitcoin. His opinion: "It is difficult to accept that there are restrictions in so many places with regard to climate change and at the same time the immense and very likely further increasing energy demand of Bitcoin," says the Swiss information technologist.

An alternative is the "Proof of Stake Concept." Here, complicated computing tasks are not solved as with Bitcoin and coins are not produced by mining. Instead, the blockchain works in such a way that old coins generate new ones – to put it very simply. This is good for the climate: the energy costs are much lower with the "Proof of Stake." The popular cryptocurrency Nano produces 0.000112 transaction costs in kilowatts per hour – Bitcoin, on the other hand, produces 1.544: that's over 7,000% more.

Here is a small overview: Cryptocurrency by transaction costs in kilowatts per hour (KWh)

Proof of Stake Coins

Nano 0.000112 kWh
Cardano 0.5479 kWh
Stellar 0.00003 kWh

Proof of Work Coins

Ethereum 62.56 kWh
Bitcoin 1,544 kWh

Depending on the process, there can be huge differences in power consumption.

Conclusion – is there a sustainable future for cryptocurrency?

Bitcoin's energy balance is disastrous. The concept of proof of work is to blame. Through proof of stake, on the other hand, cryptocurrencies can massively reduce their power consumption. Nevertheless, cryptocurrencies will continue to need electricity in the future. Cryptocurrencies can only be CO2-neutral if they obtain their electricity from renewable energy sources. Fossil fuels are completely unsuitable as an energy source.

At ForTomorrow, we help to drive the energy transition forward and want to make the EU climate-neutral by 2040. We want toenable everyone to compensate their CO2 footprint. Join us and become part of our climate community.

Sources and Further Information:

Egiyi, Modesta Amaka. Ofoegbu, Grace Nyereugwu. (2020, 03. March). Cryptocurrency and Climate Change: An Overview. International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology. (IJMET). [accessed on 25.04.2022].

Kim, E. (2021, 07. September). Bitcoin mining consumes 0.5% of all electricity used globally and 7 times Google's total usage, new report says. Business Insider. [accessed on 25.04.2022].

Stein, A. (2022, 07. April). Die unangenehme Nebenwirkung von Bitcoins. Die Welt. [accessed on 25.04.2022].

Schiller, K. (2021, 31. March). Proof of Work und Proof of Stake erklärt. Blockchainwelt. [accessed on 25.04.2022].

Maksimenka, I. (2021, 25. August). Grüne Coins: Top 9 Umweltfreundliche Kryptowährungen. beincrypto. [accessed on 25.04.2022].

RND/dpa. (2022, 09. April). Wieso die Kryptowährung Bitcoin ein Problem für das Klima ist. RND. [accessed on 25.04.2022].

Reforestation: what to keep in mind?

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 13:08:43 GMT

Since 2020, climate subscribers have been offsetting their carbon footprint with ForTomorrow. The first trees were planted during the planting seasons in October and November 2020, and have already started removing CO2 from the air. Since the start we have received many questions from interested people in our community.

In this article we wanted to address some of these questions and have summarized the most common ones below.

What should you pay attention to with reforestation in Germany?

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/Mischbuchenwald-Badenwuerttemberg.jpg" alt="Mixed beech forest example, Bad Niedernau, South Germany" caption={<> Mixed beech forest example, Bad Niedernau, South Germany </>} filter={true} />

What to look out for depends on the location and goals of the reforestation. Our goal is to plant long-lived, climate-resilient forests. It is important to make the right selection of young trees in terms of their origin, suitability for the site and value for ecological diversity and biodiversity. We plant mixed forests, not monocultures, so that they can better withstand the effects of climate change.

When selecting the location we pay attention to choosing areas that are approved by well-known forest certification systems like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), Naturland or PEFC (Endorsement of Forest Certification) and that the areas are publicly accessible. Additionally, we have experts accompany us every time we plant trees.

Why are the forests planted in Germany and not in developing countries?

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/Baumschule.jpeg" alt="Example of a tree farm" caption={<> Example of a tree farm </>} creditName="Getty Images/felix_ro" filter={true} />

As a non-profit company, ForTomorrow would like to guarantee that the forest will last for a long time, because then the carbon will remain bound in the wood and will not be released back into the air. The Federal Forest Act has been in place in Germany since 1975. Forests are subject to strict controls and are protected by the state. Because of this, illegal deforestation is prevented and forest areas must be restored after fires, storm damage or drought. That means that when ForTomorrow plants a new forest on state land and parts of it disappear, the state is obligated to restore them.

How do you measure the climate impact of a tree and its CO2 absorption?

The young trees must be planted very close together for the perfect forest environment, at around 4000 trees per hectare. After 100 years only about 500 trees will remain. We've included the fact that part of the trees will die or be removed to make room for the strongest trees in our calculations. In the process some of the previously absorbed carbon will be released into the air, and some will stay stored in the ground. We have taken all these factors into account.

The concrete calculations are based on the National Forest Inventory from the Thünen Institute, which is in turn based on the Kyoto Protocol. To capture a ton of CO2 for at least 80 years, we have to plant five trees.

What adaptations must be made because of climate change for a healthy forest?

We also decided on reforestation in Germany because of climate change. The Federal Forest Act ensures that the forest area will remain in place for a long time. Because of climate change, forests are increasingly exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as drought, heat and storms as well as pest infestations. For example, bark beetle infestations have been increasing. To make the new forest more resilient, we pay particular attention to the diversity of tree species when planting.

How are the newly reforested areas cared for and protected?

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/Baumpflege.jpeg" alt="Example of tree care after planting" caption={<> Example of tree care after planting </>} creditName="Getty Images/Highwaystarz-Photography" filter={true} />

For the first five years after it is planted the forest owner will take care of the protection and care of the reforested region. After five years the reforested area is protected thanks to legal regulations for forest and nature conservation. The trees are protected from animal grazing and competition from other wild plants. The care is carried out in a soil-friendly manner without using any pesticides or fertilizers.

IPCC Report 2022 AR6: Summary Part 1

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 12:29:26 GMT

What does the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report say, why is it so alarming and can we stop the consequences of man-made climate change now? Here are the key messages of the IPCC 2022. We'll start with Working Group 1, first part of the report.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – often referred to as the "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" – is an institution of the United Nations. On its behalf, experts around the world are compiling the current state of knowledge on climate change. It was founded in 1988 and in 2007 it even received a Nobel Peace Prize. Since then, everyone looks forward to the annual IPCC report. The Sixth IPCC Assessment Report (AR6) has just been published. This consists of three parts, which in turn consist of several more parts. Don't worry, we will summarize the core messages of all three parts for you – in three blog articles.

Important: We have translated and summarized central messages from English. The complete scientific report, including references and additional graphics, can be found on the IPCC website.

Here are the most important key messages of the IPCC 2022 I

It is undeniable that human influence on the climate has warmed our atmosphere – water and land. Far-reaching and rapid consequences for the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere and biosphere have arisen.

Each of the last four decades has been successively warmer than any previous decade since 1850.
In 2019, atmospheric CO2 concentrations were higher than ever before in at least the last 2 million years. Concentrations of CH4 and N2O were higher than at any other point in time in at least 800,000 years.
It is almost certain that man-made CO2 emissions are the main cause of the current global acidification of the open ocean at the surface.
Human influence is most likely the main cause of the global retreat of glaciers since the 1990s and the retreat of thesurface of the Arctic sea ice between 1979–1988 and 2010–2019. The decrease was 40% in September and 10% in March.
It has been practically proven that the upper ocean (0–700 m) has warmed since the 1970s. It is very likely that human influence is the main cause.
The global glacier retreat since the 1950s, with almost all of the world's glaciers retreating at the same time, is unprecedented in the last 2000 years.

Human-made climate change is already having an impact on many weather and climate extremes in all regions across the globe. Evidence of observed changes in extremes such as heat waves, heavy precipitation, droughts and tropical cyclones has increased.

It is virtually certain that heat extremes have become more frequent and intense in most rural regions since the 1950s, while cold extremes have occurred less frequently and less severely. It is highly probable that man-made climate change is the main cause of these changes.
It is likely that the global share of severe tropical cyclones (category 3 to 5) has increased over the past four decades.
It is very likely that heavy precipitation events will increase and become more frequent in most regions with further global warming. On a global scale, it is projected that extreme daily precipitation events will increase by about 7% per 1°C of global warming.
Many changes in the climate system are becoming greater in direct connection with increasing global warming. These include the increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat waves, marine heat waves, heavy precipitation and, in some regions, agricultural and ecological droughts; an increase in the proportion of intense tropical cyclones and a decline in Arctic sea ice, snow cover and permafrost.

Under all emission scenarios considered, the global surface temperature will continue to rise until at least the middle of the century. Global warming of 1.5°C and 2°C will be exceeded over the course of the 21st century unless CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions are greatly reduced in the coming decades.

Compared to 1850–1900, the global surface temperature is very likely to rise by 1.0°C to 1.8°C on average over the years 2081–2100 in a scenario with very low greenhouse gas emissions. With medium greenhouse gas emissions, the temperature will rise by 2.1°C to 3.5°C. In the scenario of very high greenhouse gas emissions, the increase will increase by around 3.3°C to 5.7°C. The last time the global surface temperature was 2.5°C or more above the 1850–1900 level was over 3 million years ago.

From a scientific point of view, limiting man-made global warming to a certain level requires a limit of cumulative CO2 emissions. At the minimum a net zero value for CO2 emissions must be achieved, together with a strong reduction in other greenhouse gas emissions.

Achieving global net-zero CO2 emissions, where anthropogenic CO2 emissions are offset by anthropogenic co2 degradation, is a prerequisite for stabilizing the CO2-related increase in global surface temperature.
If negative net CO2 emissions are achieved and maintained worldwide, the global CO2-related increase in surface temperature would gradually be reversed. But other climate changes will continue in their current direction for decades to millennia. For example, it would take several centuries to millennia for the rise of the global mean sea level to reverse, even with large negative net CO2 emissions.

Many changes due to past and future greenhouse gas emissions are irreversible over centuries to millennia – especially changes in the oceans, ice sheets and global sea levels.

In the next 2000 years, the global mean sea level will rise by about 2 to 3 m if warming is limited to 1.5°C. It will rise by 2 to 6 m if it is limited to 2°C and by 19 to 22 m if heated to 5°C.
In the period from 2011–2020, the Arctic sea ice area reached its lowest annual average level since at least 1850. In late summer, the Arctic sea ice surface was smaller than it had been for at least 1000 years.
It is almost certain that mean global sea levels will continue to rise in the 21st century. Compared to 1995–2014, the likely rise in global mean sea level by 2100 is 0.28–0.55 m in the very low greenhouse gas emission scenario. In the scenario with average greenhouse gas emissions 0.44–0.76 m and 0.63–1.01 m according to the scenario with very high greenhouse gas emissions.
In the longer term, due to the continued warming of the deep sea and the melting of ice sheets, sea levels will rise for centuries to millennia and will remain elevated for thousands of years.

How does carbon offsetting work with the EU Emissions Trading System?

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 13:47:34 GMT

There are many ways to offset CO2 emissions, including the financing of new wind turbines in the global south. But there are more effective measures closer to home. Why is it important to do offsetting projects here in Europe?

For one thing, when working in the global south, the compensation measures usually don't go into effect in the place where the CO2 has been emitted. It's additionally unclear if the countries where the projects are done can also count the reduction in admissions for themselves under the Paris agreement, which would lead to double counting. Offsetting projects in developing countries were started with the Kyoto Protocol. At the time these countries had no climate goals, but they do have them now under the Paris Agreement, giving them an incentive to additionally count the offsetting for themselves.

At the 26th Climate Change Conference in November, there was finally an agreement on how past and future emission reductions can be counted and traded internationally. According to this decision, old CERs (Certified Emission Reductions under the Kyoto Protocol) may be converted into ITMOs, or "International Transferred Mitigation Outcomes". Unfortunately, the practical implementation of trading and crediting the future units of ITMOs is still unclear.

Ideally all CERs should have been cancelled in order not to dilute the Paris climate targets. This is because what counts in the end is not the balance on paper, but instead how many carbon emissions are actually in the atmosphere.

Carbon compensation in Europe

What can you do if you want to offset and reduce greenhouse gasses here in Europe? Why can't you finance new wind turbines like in developing countries to reduce CO2? In the EU there is a Cap and Trade System. This system limits emissions from the energy and industry sectors as well as the aviation sector and will soon limit emissions from other sectors as well. To lower the emissions in one of these sectors in the EU, you have to work with the EU Emissions Trading System.

In order to emit a ton of the carbon equivalent CO2e you have to buy an emissions allowance. The emissions allowances are auctioned weekly on behalf of governments and can then be freely traded.

What would happen if you tried to finance new wind turbines in Europe through CO2 compensation? The CO2 emissions in the energy sector would decrease. But the cap on emissions trading would stay the same. The emissions allowances that aren't used by the energy sector can still be used by other sectors. The goal to reach a European-wide reduction in CO2 emissions through offsetting doesn't work with the financing of new wind turbines.

Of course renewable energy must be financed. Emissions trading should be used for the goal of reducing the carbon emissions in the EU. Luckily the EU has already implemented emissions trading so it can also be used for climate protection. It's possible to buy EU emissions allowances and then delete them unused as a way of directly lowering the cap. The tons of carbon that would be allowed to be released with the emissions allowance will simply no longer be released. The market decides where exactly in the economy the emissions will be reduced.

Triply effective CO2 compensation

When an emissions allowance for the compensation of CO2 emissions is sold, this has a triple effect:

The CO2 emission in the EU will decrease by a ton of CO2 with every emissions allowance sold.
The price of emissions allowance will increase due to the scarcity. Climate friendlier technologies will become more profitable than climate damaging ones.
The emissions rights are auctioned off by the state. The money that Germany, for example, earns, goes to an energy and climate fund. It is used to fund research and climate protection in sectors that are not yet covered in emissions trading, including building renovation and electric vehicles.

Another big advantage of the offsetting using EU emissions trading is the use of a very secure, existing system. In the global south a lot of project budget goes to certification. Additionally regular travel is necessary to make sure the wind turbines are being used and to what extent, and this travel also creates emissions. In the case of compensation using EU emissions trading the inspection mechanisms are already included in the system. And when you choose a nonprofit provider like ForTomorrow for the compensation, your donation is tax deductible.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/211019-kontoauszug-eua.jpg" alt="Our ETS account statement showing 2721 emission rights" caption={<> On our account you can see the number of emission rights (EUA) that we at ForTomorrow have withdrawn from the market for our climate subscribers since the start in March 2020. </>} filter={false} border={true} />

European emissions trading offers an effective tool for carbon offsetting. With ForTomorrow you can help reduce the CO2 emissions in the EU and directly promote climate protection.

Plant new forests with ForTomorrow

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:01:00 GMT

In this article we answer your most asked questions about our planting campaigns and their contribution to climate protection.s

We've all heard it before: Trees help us stop global warming because they take CO2 out of the air and store it as carbon in their wood. Although there are many new technologies that filter CO2 out of the air, planting trees is still the most efficient and affordable method. Protecting existing forests and reforesting fallow land also allows us to support biodiversity.

At ForTomorrow we make sure that your donation has the best possible local impact.

What do the planting campaigns look like?

We plant mixed forests together with our partner, the German Forest Protection Association. Mixed forests have many advantages: They are much more climate-robust, they offer protection against drought, wind and diseases and promote biodiversity.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/41182155-a5e4-4582-9875-99b0f2dd8d99.jpeg" alt="" caption={<> Me at our last tree planting campaign putting a young tree into the soil. </>} filter={true} />

Our last planting campaign took place in March last year. Together with Olaf from the German Forest Protection Association we drove past the Lippendorf coal-burning power plant and the United Schleenhain open mine. It's unreal to see how the ground is continuously bulldozed to mine brown coal. It opens up a huge, deep chasm in the earth. To make this destruction unprofitable, we buy EU emissions rights and take them off the market, forcing the coal industry to reduce the total amount of carbon emissions it is allowed to emit.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/foto8627.jpg" alt="Green area with open mine and huge digger in the background" caption={<> Our forest to be next to power plant Lippendorf. </>} filter={true} />

But today was about what happened next. We went further to an area where brown coal was mined in GDR times. At the time the layers of earth were dumped exactly as they were excavated. Topsoil disappeared, buried under 60 meters of stony, dead earth from deep underground. Only buckthorn will grow on top of it, making a lifeless, thorny thicket where birds refuse to nest. Wild boars are the only ones undeterred.

We planted 4,000 trees including black pine, crabapple, wild pear, and rowan trees.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/dji_0028.jpg" alt="Two men planting rows of little trees" caption={<> To protect the seedlings from overgrowth (from bramble, for example) they must be planted in a row. </>} filter={true} />

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/peres_ft_2021-8.jpg" alt="Rows of young trees of various sizes" caption={<> That's how a new forest can grow. As soon as the forest has formed, young trees will be protected from the older ones. </>} filter={true} />

If you want to visit the area (virtually or in person) you can find it here on Komoot and Google Maps.

Why did you decide to plant forests in Europe? It's much cheaper in developing countries!

That's true – it's much cheaper to plant forests in tropical regions. But it's difficult to ensure the protection of the forests in these regions. Even if one area is protected and prevented from being cleared, sometimes the area right next to it may be cleared instead. Because of this we think it only makes sense to do afforestation for CO2 compensation in countries where the entire forest area is protected.

For a positive climate effect trees have to grow over a long period of time. When a tree is freshly planted it only absorbs a small amount of CO2. The bigger it gets, the more CO2 it absorbs from the air. However, when a tree is destroyed because of a forest fire or removed due to political decisions the previously absorbed CO2 is released back into the air.

That's why we've decided to plant forests in Europe. European governments are stable and have laws that protect forests. For example, forest fires will be put out quickly and illegal logging is prevented. According to the Federal Forest Act, once a forest is established it must be preserved. That means that after a forest fire the landowner is obligated to replant the forest. Because of this forest areas won't decrease, but will instead grow. Additionally, we are helping Europe to become climate neutral in the long term.

Conclusion: why reforestation is important

Reforestation is an important contribution to protecting our environment and our climate.

At ForTomorrow, we want to prevent soil erosion, promote biodiversity and bind CO2 by reforesting forests for the first time.

Reforestation contributes on a large scale to combating climate change. Choosing the right tree species is crucial to the success of reforestation.

Mixed forests and permanent forests consisting of climate-resilient tree species offer the best conditions for long-lasting and successful reforestation. That is why ForTomorrow only plants climate-resilient mixed forests as permanent forests.

Climate protection as a Christmas gift?

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:43:48 GMT

With ForTomorrow you can give your loved ones climate protection for Christmas. Here you can find out how and why!s

Sustainable

When you support ForTomorrow, you contribute to climate protection directly in Europe. With your donation we buy CO2 emission rights from the industry and plant trees in Germany.

Fast

You can buy your climate gift directly on our website. It takes less than 5 minutes - much faster than shopping online. You save yourself a trip to the mall and the search for the perfect gift. Because climate protection benefits us all!

Personal

After your purchase, you'll receive a digital gift certificate with a Christmas design. By the way, it has your name and the name of the person receiving the gift. All without plastic and packaging.

Original

Be the first person in your circle of friends to give climate protection as a Christmas gift. That way you can motivate others to contribute to climate protection!

10 reasons people keep telling me bikes can't replace cars

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:34:40 GMT

I'm Dutch and live in Germany: the country of the carmaker. The land of the car lobbyists and car marketers. Here people are good at convincing you that you need a car. But is that really true?

Here are 10 reasons politicians and people I know give for not stretching their legs on a bike and using a car instead. Misconceptions that culture and (dare I say it) car salespeople have put in their minds.

1. Cycling is bad for the climate

Lasst uns das erst einmal aus dem Weg schaffen. Für das Klima ist das Fahrrad die beste Art der Fortbewegung. Werfen wir einen Blick auf die Emissionen pro Kilometer für einige Verkehrsmittel des Kurzstreckenverkehrs:

Car, new (German): 177g CO2/km
Bus, average (German): 80g CO2/km
Train, short distance (German): 57g CO2/km

For cycling I found values ranging from a low of 0g to a high of 21g of CO2 per kilometre. Bikeradar comes up with this higher figure because of the food needed to fuel the movement. But this is still lower than any other mode of transport - including walking, which is less efficient!

Of course, people need exercise, so someone who gets around using a car or public transport would probably just burn those calories at another time anyway.

2. Cycling is for the Dutch

I've lived in the Netherlands for most of my life. Yes, that flat country where people are almost born on a bike. Now that I'm living in Germany, people are often surprised when I tell them that I ride my bike all year round. "Even in winter?" they ask. "Yes," I answer. "Well, you are Dutch!" they say.

In the Netherlands it rains about twice as often and twice as much as it does in Berlin. What's considered a strong breeze in the Netherlands is a storm worthy of a weather alarm in Germany. And Berlin is basically flat too. When it comes to the natural environment, Berlin is better suited to riding bikes than Amsterdam.

Of course, the cycling infrastructure in the Netherlands is just fantastic compared to other countries. But it only exists because of protests (YouTube) against car accidents in the 1970s. More recently, Paris has shown that when there are good conditions for it, people get on their bikes.

3. You need a car to get to work

Chances are that you live fewer than 20km from your place of work. This is a journey you can make within an hour by bike. My route to work is 14km. That's a nice distance. Long enough to relax after work and short enough not to be boring.

In Europe, it's unlikely that no part of the commute can be taken on public transport. With a combination of a (folding) bike and public transport, you can use the free time for learning, reading and playing. You can't do that while you're driving!

4. Cycling is too slow

Every now and then I am overtaken by a brightly coloured sports car. Cars like this stand out and are a good way of seeing how quickly car traffic is flowing. It's common for me to come across them several times while cycling around town. Of course, traffic and intersections slow everyone down, but on a bike you can easily overtake the motorised traffic while it sits waiting for the light to turn green.

These are my records for the 14km commute from our suburb to the office:

Public transport + footpath: 51 minutes.
Rental car: 50 minutes
Public Transport + bike (1800m) + footpath (450m): 45 minutes
Electric scooter rental: 35 minutes
Bicycle: 34 minutes

To be fair, it does normally take me 40–45 minutes by bike. But that's still consistently faster than driving or using public transport. I'm not even a particularly fast cyclist.

5. You need a car when you have children

Not necessarily. We have two children. They take their running bike or for longer distances they can ride in a child seat.

6. But you need a car if you don't live in the city centre

We live in a suburb on the outskirts of Berlin. After only 10 minutes of cycling I can be in the countryside, where I ride regularly. I wouldn't give up my bike for a car if you paid me. Everything we need can be reached either by bike alone or by cycling combined with public transport.

7. You need a car for shopping

I have a sturdy bike with a cargo area so that I can take two foldable boxes with me. They can hold more than our weekly shopping. During the week I can swap the back box with a child seat for trips to the bakery and other purposes.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/einkaufsfahrrad.jpg" alt="Bicycle with two removable storage crates" caption={<> These two crates suffice can carry all our family's weekly grocery shopping. </>} filter={true} />

8. All that bicycle equipment is too expensive

You might have noticed that I have two bikes and I also recommend buying special bike clothes. And it's true, all those things cost money!

Every time I have to buy something for my bike, I think about how much money I've already saved because I don't have to pay for a car. With just the insurance money I save alone, I could buy a very good new bike every year. So when I buy cycling clothes (which isn't that often) I choose high quality, sustainable clothes that fit well, without worrying too much about the cost. And if you really want to keep your costs low, it's possible to find a huge range of second hand bikes, parts and clothing online.

9. Cycling is for socialists

Cycling is extremely cheap for society when compared to other modes of transport. Even the most unusual Dutch "bicycle highways" cost only a fraction (€0,3M-€0,8M/km) of the highways for cars (€10M-€50M/km). Despite the love they get from neoliberalists, cars are the largest state-sponsored form of transport at local and regional levels.

10. Cycling is unsafe

Once, at the end of a birthday party, my great-uncle was asked not to drive home because he'd had a few drinks. "Don't worry about me, I've got a tough car," was his response.

For decades, there has been an arms race between drivers as they buy heavier and more powerful cars. Unfortunately, it's not the drivers who are most at risk, but those other road users who dare to venture out without the car's three tonne safety armour. Cycling in itself is safe, it's other drivers who make it more risky.

You think you're a good driver and that it's unlikely you'd get involved in an accident? The majority of drivers believe they're better most other drivers. Because most people overestimate their abilities; we can't all be among the best.

Another reason why the life of cyclists is being shortened is because of diseases caused by urban air pollution. This is also mainly caused by cars. I avoid streets with lots of cars on my way to work. I make a few detours so I can benefit from smooth, quiet bike paths. This also helps me avoid the worst air pollution, which is concentrated on busy roads.

Fortunately, the air quality is getting better and better all over Germany. And the chances of being involved in an accident are still so slim that the benefits of cycling outweigh the risks.

Do you really need a car?

I save money by cycling, have more fun and it keeps me healthier than other modes of transport would. And I don't even have to worry about parking, fines, taxes and insurance. Can you name any other mode of transport with so many personal benefits that is also the best choice for society and the environment?

A new look for a better tomorrow

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 22:00:00 GMT

When we launched ForTomorrow's website in early 2020, we did it quickly—so we could start making an impact quickly too. We picked some colours, chose a free font and got going. There wasn't a lot of time to make sure that things reflected you, our community and everything we want you to know we stand for.s

Now we've had more time to think about how we can share our vision with you. Together, we can make it possible for more people to live a truly climate positive life.

Why change now?

Our community is growing. Now lots of you choose to live climate positive with us. We've always stood for a better, more liveable tomorrow. We're just making sure the way we communicate makes that clear.

There are plenty of commercial brands that offer climate offsets. Lots of them do this by planting trees in other countries, with little oversight or control over what happens to those trees in the future. ForTomorrow is different. We offer reliable, sustainable, long-term climate protection right here in Europe. By making our brand as distinctive as our actions, we make sure people who haven't yet joined the movement know that we're something special.

We want more people to be aware of what we offer. We want to stand out from the crowd and attract more people to join our community. In a commercial environment that's branding. But we want to maximise impact, not profit. This new brand isn't just a superficial makeover, it better reflects what we value and stand for.

The way we present ourselves to the world is important. Getting more support means we can make a bigger difference and progress towards a better future for everyone.

Our brand also represents what we value most. Optimism will give us the energy to tackle the huge task we've got ahead of us. We all need to make radical changes to protect the climate and that can feel overwhelming. Fostering trust is an important part of overcoming that fear of change. Your climate friendly actions can inspire others to make an impact. Inspiration can be the spark we need to start changing.

Every individual action matters. Together, we're a community. Your actions make even more of a difference as part of that global community movement. We believe all of these qualities come together to spur us into action. We accept that we don't have all the time in the world—we have to act fast.

What's new?

Our logo: basic shapes, four circles and a geometric typeface. Combined, they make a logo that's as clear and transparent as we are. Designed by the renowned Raban Ruddigkeit, using his uniquely recognisable geometric symbolism. The logo's rotational symmetry shows our desire for action and to restore the balance. Thank you, Raban!

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/rebrand-logo.svg" alt="ForTomorrow's new logo consisting of a rotational symmetric set of four overlapping circles and a sans serif wordmark." caption={<> Our new logo: four circles represent the sun, the earth, the atmosphere and life on our planet. </>} sizePreset="bigText" filter={true} />

Colours: we've stuck with green to represent optimism, sustainability and (of course) nature, but it's a fresher green than our old one. Purple is for inspiration and for you, our diverse community. It's a bold combination because we want to inspire bold action to look after our planet.

ForTomorrow is here to stay. Our name describes what we stand for and what drives us. Lots of you already love it. We've got a good thing and we're sticking to it.

For You

Every day, more and more of us realise that we cannot carry on living the way we have been. But what's the best way to start changing? It's not always easy to know where to start. ForTomorrow helps you throughout your journey towards a climate positive life. Joining ForTomorrow means joining a community that takes action to build their ideal future.

ForTomorrow will be more than just a service. We'll be a vital part of the community as it works together to make sure our future on this planet is a joyful, liveable one.

We're still a work in progress, and we want to continue evolving with our community. If anyone knows a designer who wants to get their hands dirty with us, then let us know.

So from now on, our website and all the other ways we communicate with you will have our new logo, colours and font. We've got a friendly new face to show the world, and a brand that shows how dedicated we are to helping you take real action. We hope you love it as much as we do.

The CO2 price at ForTomorrow

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 14:38:20 GMT

Last year, we had to increase our price for carbon offsets three times. Now again in 2022. Why is that good news?

When you live carbon neutral with ForTomorrow, you offset your CO2 emissions with direct climate protection in Europe. We use two measures to achieve this for you. First, we plant trees in Germany to capture carbon that has already been emitted. Second, we purchase emissions rights away from the major polluters in Europe, like coal-fired power plants, which forces them to emit less CO2.

How do we set our prices?

The price to offset one tonne of carbon dioxide with ForTomorrow is based on the two ways we offset your carbon footprint. For each tonne of carbon you offset with ForTomorrow, we plant two trees in Germany and take half of an European emission right out off the market on your behalf.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/pricing-per-tonne-en-2022-02-14.png" alt="Chart showing the cost of compensating for 1 tonne of CO2. Buying half an emission permit comprises most of the cost, followed by planting 2 trees, ForTomorrow's costs, and VAT. " caption={<> ForTomorrow's offsetting costs per tonne of CO2. Our costs mainly consist of planting trees and buying EU emissions rights. </>} border={true} />

EU emissions rights are traded on various exchanges. One of the largest is the Intercontinental Currency Exchange (ICE). Below, you can see how the price for emissions rights fluctuates. Fortunately for everyone, the price increases over the long-term. We tried to keep our pricing stable by using a forecast for the average target value for EU emission rights for 2021. This was €40 per tonne for 2021, not including the VAT that also needs to be included. Fortunately for the climate this forecast was completely off. The price turned out to rise much higher just hitting an all time high of €96 per tonne.

ForTomorrow is a non-profit and we only use a maximum of 15% of our price for salaries, administrative and advertising expenses.

Compensating for a tonne of CO2 with ForTomorrow costs €72. Most of the cost for 2022 is made up of the price of buying emissions rights. I've worked in emissions trading before, and know how to purchase the rights as cheaply as possible as a result. Hopefully, the price will continue to rise, because that's exactly what we're aiming for. In 2020, I was able to buy the first quantities of rights at just under €20 per tonne. These rights have long been used to offset subscribers' carbon emissions. The price has continued to rise since then and we have to buy at much higher prices now.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/pricing-EUA-price-2022-02-14.png" alt="Graph showing the rise in costs of a tonne of CO2 from 20 euros in early 2020, to 35 euros in early 2021, getting close to 100 euros in 2022." caption={<> The change in price for the right to emit one tonne of CO2 in the EU. </>} border={true} />

Rising CO2 prices are good news for the planet

This rise in CO2 prices is great news. It means that the EU economy will have to become more climate-friendly, and fast. For example European coal fired power plants need to buy emission rights to be allowed to emit CO2. If the price rises it becomes unprofitable for coal fired power plants to run. Take the CEO of Vattenfall's explanation for the decision to shut down the new coal-fired power plant at Moorburg for example: "if you lose money with it you have to do something." Now, the former coal-fired Moorburg is becoming a production facility for green hydrogen.

Rising prices alone are not enough to reach the EU's climate targets. For there to be truly less carbon emitted in the EU, there must be fewer emissions rights available on the market. That's why, thanks to the contribution of our subscribers, ForTomorrow purchases emissions right off the market and away from polluting industries.

In addition to reduce carbon dioxide emissions we also need to remove CO2 from the atmosphere. The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere has peaked so much that climate change would continue, even if everyone immediately started living carbon neutral. That is why your subscription with ForTomorrow will not just buy emissions rights, but will also reforest areas in Germany in effort to reduce the levels of atmospheric CO2 to the safe level of 350 ppm in the long-term.

Rising CO2 prices are good news when it comes to creating a more climate-friendly future. If emitting carbon becomes too expensive for companies, the EU economy will be forced to transition to a more environmentally-friendly way of operating. ForTomorrow enables you to speed this process up, by purchasing more emissions rights off the market and away from polluting industries.

ForTomorrow is a non-profit organization

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 23:00:00 GMT

We have achieved another milestone on our journey. Today, we received approval from the financial office and a personal thank you. ForTomorrow officially is a non profit organization.s

What is a non-profit organization?

A non-profit organization (NPO) is a type of organization that does not operate for the purpose of making a profit for its owners or shareholders. Instead, NPOs are dedicated to furthering a particular social cause or advocating for a particular point of view.

They use their resources to achieve their objectives, rather than distributing them as profits or dividends. NPOs are typically tax-exempt and are eligible for certain types of donations, grants, and other forms of financial support.

What's ForTomorrow's purpose as a non-profit organization?

Our goal is to make Europe climate neutral before 2040. That is why we are offering everyone the opportunity to use climate subscriptions to drive forward climate protection in Europe. Through your climate subscription, you efficiently reduce the CO2 emissions of the European Union.

<Figure src="/src/assets/cms/blog/2020-2024/fortomorrow-non-profit.jpg" alt="" caption={<> Certification that ForTomorrow is a non-profit organization </>} border={true} />

What do you gain from ForTomorrow being a non-profit corporation?

Now, as a non-profit organization we can accept donations for climate protection and issue donation certificates that you can use on your tax return in Germany and other countries.

In Germany, the tax office reimburses you for around 45% of your donation. In this way, as a supporter of non-profit organizations, you can get the government to participate in climate protection.