CARBON OFFSETTING

• Each tree absorbs approximately 25kg of carbon emissions each year, and more during early growth years

• One tree absorbs about 1,000kg of carbon dioxide over a 40yr period, and can live for over 100 years

• One tree can produce enough oxygen for 10 people in a year

• Each person on average produces about 10 tons of carbon dioxide every year, which amounts to 10 trees worth!

• Many trees coppice (grow back after cutting) and can therefore produce many times the benefits by being 'managed' correctly, inc absorbing more Co2

• A proven fact by NASA shows that trees planted in tropical climates generally absorb up to three times as much CO2

   

     DIRECT BENEFITS OF TREES

• For every 50 trees planted in deforested areas, 150 are likely to grow back.

• Trees can help cool the earth by approximately 5F by shading the ground around them and, evaporating moisture from their leaves.

• Tree roots stabilize worn soil, prevent erosion and guide water down to under ground aquifers supporting surrounding growth.

• Trees can help balance the eco-system, enhance bio-diversity and provide homes for wildlife and endangered species.

• Many trees coppice (grow back after cutting) and can therefore produce many times the benefits by being managed correctly.

• Trees produce fruit and valuable medicines

   

    GENERAL BENEFITS OF TREES

• They improve living standards for local people

• Tree roots stabilise river banks, reducing the risk of flooding

• They rebuild worn soils and improve agricultural productivity

• Cooling ground temperatures and sheltering from direct sunlight allows food crops and other growth to return where they otherwise could not grow

• Attracting bees with pollen enabling them to make honey for trading purposes

• Birds and bats help spread seeds supporting bio-diversity and sustainability locally and across further regions

• Trees can act as natural wind breakers, and separate different types of crop farms

 

     WHY PLANT IN AFRICA ?

• Barely 5% of the original forest remains across the continent of Africa.

• Africa is the continent which has already suffered the most from climate change. The rain seasons are shorter and the droughts are more frequent. Food is scarce.

• Too many people throughout the whole of Africa struggle to find drinking water and live below the poverty line of $1 a day so these tree plantations make a big difference to the quality of their lives.

• The hot climate causes more carbon dioxide to be absorbed due to a high rate of photosynthesis.

• When families are given 10-20 trees each, it is enough to make a difference and help support them to generate their own much needed sustainable income.