Carbon Offsetting

Construction of a parabolaOxford Expeditions have the capacity to benefit the world’s people and natural systems by increasing our knowledge and understanding of the world, but if they are poorly managed they also have the potential to add to the earth’s problems. One of the greatest of today’s challenges is global climate change, to which flying is recognised to be a major contributor. While the days of overland travel are not over quite yet, most Oxford expeditions choose to travel by air.

We highly recommend that all Expeditions offset the carbon emissions associated with their flights, or indeed their entire expedition, not only as a practical contribution towards lowering carbon emissions but as a recognition of the importance of doing so. While it is clear that offsetting is not a long-term solution to climate change, such projects can produce real and beneficial outcomes.

It is important that the offsetting mechanism that you choose is scientifically valid and verified by an external body. There are many proposed ways of offsetting, but some may actually end up doing more harm than good. For a full discussion of this, see the Wikipedia entry on Carbon Offset. You should choose who to offset your carbon with carefully, but OUEC can recommend Blue Ventures Carbon Offset as a programme that delivers not only environmental benefits but contributes positively to the economy and health of the communities involved.

Blue Ventures Carbon Offset
www.bvco.org.uk

BVCO

Blue Ventures Carbon Offset (BVCO) is an exciting new not-for-profit carbon offsetting programme. BVCO is born from Blue Ventures, a marine conservation charity set up in 2003 following an Oxford University Expedition to the region. BVCO works in Madagascar to reduce carbon emissions with projects that benefit both communities and the environment.

None of these sustainable development projects would go ahead without BVCO support. All projects reduce future carbon dioxide emissions and deliver real economic, environmental and health benefits to some of the world’s poorest and most isolated communities.

Current programmes include distribution of both solar and energy-efficient stoves in subsistence communities in southern Madagascar. These stoves dramatically reduce wood use and associated deforestation, as well as the time and money expended by families in gathering fuel wood. What’s more, the stoves also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 - 2 tonnes per year compared to the inefficient and unsafe open fires that are commonly used in the region.

Offset your expedition’s emissions now at www.bvco.org.uk by clicking on the air travel button, or email ellie@blueventures.org if you have a specific, detailed travel plan.