What Are Afforestation Carbon Offsets and How Do They Work: The Big Picture

What Are Afforestation Carbon Offsets and How Do They Work: The Big Picture

By
Grace Smoot

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Afforestation (planting trees) is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways you can help preserve the environment and combat global climate change. They are also a way to combat the loss of millions of acres of forests every year via deforestation. So, we had to ask: What are afforestation carbon offsets really, and could they help us mitigate climate change?

Afforestation carbon offsets are a specific type of carbon offset that focuses on planting trees in areas not recently forested. Afforestation projects reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the number of trees on our planet, which absorb CO2 into their trunks, leaves, and roots as they grow and mature.

Keep reading to find out all about what afforestation carbon offsets are, how they work, what their project life-cycle is, how effective they are, their pros and cons, and how they can help mitigate climate change.

The Big Picture of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsets play an important role in mitigating the effects of global climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions beyond what we each can achieve through individual actions. Afforestation carbon offsets are a specific type of tree planting carbon offset that establishes new forests on lands not recently forested.

How are carbon offsets definedReductions in GHG emissions that are used to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere.
What are afforestation carbon offsetsAfforestation carbon offsets are a specific type of tree planting carbon offset that focuses on land that has not recently been covered with forest (i.e., establishing new forests on lands not recently forested).
How do afforestation projects offset CO2 emissionsAfforestation projects reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the number of trees on the planet, which absorb CO2 as they grow and mature.
When do afforestation projects offset CO2 emissionsAlthough they can absorb carbon as soon as they are planted, it can take decades until a tree is able to absorb the average 10-40kg (22-88 pounds) of CO2 per year. This means we must also wait decades after planting the tree to begin to reap most of the environmental benefits. 
What is the project life-cycle of afforestation carbon offsetsBuilding: The building of afforestation carbon offsets includes identifying lands to be afforested and physically planting the trees.
Operating: The operating and maintenance of afforestation carbon offsets includes any measures taken after planting trees to keep the planted lands alive and thriving. 
End-of-life: The end-of-life of afforestation carbon offsets would include anything that puts the planted lands at risk of being destroyed, which hopefully would never occur.
How effective and efficient are afforestation carbon offsetsAfforestation offsets are effective because they reinforce our terrestrial carbon sinks; however, they often lack permanence, do not reduce carbon emissions immediately, and do not reduce your own carbon emissions, which can lead to greenwashing.
Afforestation offsets are efficient because they are relatively cost-effective and continue to avoid CO2 emissions after their project life span; however, they are also less efficient than restoring or protecting already existing forests.
What are the best afforestation carbon offsetsThe best afforestation carbon offsets are offered by the Arbor Day Foundation, Climate Impact Partners, and WeForest, that all plant trees on degraded lands globally. In addition, Reforest’Action and Ecologi restore degraded pastures and grasslands in South Africa, Senegal, and Uruguay.

What Are Afforestation Carbon Offsets

Carbon offsets are reductions in GHG emissions that are used to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere. They are measured in tons of CO2 equivalents and are bought and sold through international brokers, online retailers, and trading platforms.

Afforestation carbon offsets are a specific type of tree planting carbon offset that focuses on planting trees on lands that have not recently been covered with forest (i.e., establishing new forests on lands not recently forested).

How Are Carbon Offsets Defined

Carbon offsets play a crucial role in reducing our carbon footprint, the amount of CO2 emissions associated with an individual or an entity. 

Carbon footprint: the amount of greenhouse gasses and specifically carbon dioxide emitted by something (such as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a given period

Merriam Webster

Basically, a carbon footprint is the amount of carbon emitted by an activity or an organization. This includes GHG emissions from fuel that we burn directly (e.g., heating a home and driving a car) and GHG emissions from manufacturing the products that we use (e.g., power plants, factories, and landfills). 

One way to reduce our carbon footprint is via the use of carbon offsets. These are reductions in GHG emissions that are measured in tons of CO2 equivalents and are bought and sold through international brokers, online retailers, and trading platforms. 

Carbon offset: a way for a company or person to reduce the level of carbon dioxide for which they are responsible by paying money to a company that works to reduce the total amount produced in the world, for example by planting trees”

Oxford Dictionary

When you hear the words “carbon offset”, think about the term “compensation”. Essentially, carbon offsets are reductions in GHG emissions that are used to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere. Carbon offsets can range anywhere from a couple of hundred tons of CO2 per program per year to thousands of tons of CO2 per program per year. 

How Are Afforestation Carbon Offsets Defined

Planting trees can be classified in two ways, either as reforestation or afforestation. Afforestation carbon offsets are a specific type of tree planting carbon offset that focuses on planting trees on lands that have not recently been covered with forest (i.e., establishing new forests on lands not recently forested). Conversely, reforestation focuses on converting recently non-forested land back into forested land.

Afforestation: the act or process of establishing a forest especially on land not previously forested)”

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Afforestation is an example of biological carbon sequestration, or the storage of carbon in vegetation (forests), soils, and oceans, which are commonly referred to as our carbon sinks. Afforestation carbon offsets can help combat deforestation, which is the main threat to our forests and occurs at approximately 10 million hectares (~25 million acres) per year. 

Illustration of deforestation and forest loss since the last ice age
Our World in Data: Deforestation and Forest Loss

In total, our planet has lost more than 1/3 of its forest since the last ice age, which occurred about 2.6 million years ago. 

How Do Afforestation Carbon Offsets Work

Afforestation carbon offsets fund projects that reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the number of trees on the planet, which absorb CO2 as they grow and mature. This bolsters our terrestrial carbon sinks and allows for increased atmospheric CO2 absorption.

How and When Do Afforestation Carbon Offsets Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Afforestation is one of the easiest and most meaningful ways you can help preserve the environment and combat global climate change. Trees not only act as one of our largest carbon sinks, they also provide numerous benefits in addition to climate change mitigation.

How Do Afforestation Carbon Offsets Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Afforestation projects reduce CO2 emissions by increasing the number of trees on the planet, which absorb CO2 as they grow and mature. A typical tree can absorb anywhere from 10-40kg (22-88 pounds) of CO2 per year.

When Do Afforestation Carbon Offsets Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Carbon emission reductions are delayed when you plant new forests because you have to wait for the trees to reach maturity before they can begin to reduce carbon emissions at a steady rate. All trees mature at different rates, but a typical hardwood tree takes around 20 years to reach maturity

Although they can absorb carbon as soon as they are planted, it can take decades until a tree is able to absorb the average 10-40kg (22-88 pounds) of CO2 per year. This means we must also wait decades after planting the tree to begin to reap most of the environmental benefits. 

Creating new forests is more time intensive than protecting existing forests because finding suitable land and physically planting the trees to create a new forest takes time. Also, there is always the risk of, e.g., droughts, wildfires, tree diseases, and deforestation wiping out newly planted trees, negating any carbon reduction benefits. 

What Could Prevent Afforestation Carbon Offsets From Being Realized

Nature-based solutions, such as afforestation, lack permanence because they are reversible. Once a tree is planted, it should never be removed in order to guarantee permanence. But trees die naturally, invasive species can kill trees, and environmental disasters such as floods, fires, changes in land use, and climate change itself can negate any permanence. 

Carbon emission reductions are also delayed when you plant new forests because you have to wait for the trees to reach maturity before they can begin to reduce carbon emissions. All trees mature at different rates, but a typical hardwood tree takes around 20 years to reach maturity. This means we must wait decades after planting the tree to begin to reap most of the environmental benefits. 

Lastly, we have to be careful of where we plant trees because not all ecosystems are conducive to afforestation. Grasslands are often identified as key areas for afforestation, however afforesting these areas can lead to less water in streams and rivers, fewer natural fires, and less overall biodiversity. And if not planned, afforestation projects can introduce invasive species, which can kill newly planted trees.

The Great Green Wall Initiative: An Example Project of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

Climate change and poor land management have led to the degradation and desertification of the northern African landscape, affecting the livelihoods of over 500 million people. In response, 11 countries (Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal) have pledged their support for The Great Green Wall Initiative.

The Great Green Wall Initiative was launched in 2007 by the African Union in an attempt to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land, sequester 250 million tons of carbon, and create 10 million green jobs in northern and western Africa by 2030. Afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry are three of the main tactics utilized to regenerate the landscape.

WeForest currently supports the initiative by offering carbon offsets generated from 5 afforestation projects, including 1 project in Senegal and 4 projects in Ethiopia. All of which all aim to reverse desertification by planting trees. You can visit their website to support the project and purchase carbon offsets.

What Is the Project Life-Cycle of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

To fully understand afforestation offsets, we must assess each stage of its life cycle. This life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a method to evaluate the environmental impacts of products and materials. Over the years, companies have strategically used LCA to research and create more sustainable products. So, we had a look at the LCA for afforestation offsets! 

Building of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

The building of afforestation carbon offsets includes identifying lands for afforestation and physically planting trees.

Identifying lands for afforestation can be difficult because not all land is suitable for afforestation, and planting trees can disrupt the ecosystem’s natural balance. But China is one country currently undergoing afforestation on a massive scale to restore the landscape. 

China has the highest rate of afforestation and one of the most ambitious afforestation projects in the world. In 1978, they launched the Great Green Wall project in an attempt to restore desertified land affecting over 400 million people. The project is expected to continue through 2050 and will plant over 80 million acres of forests in a wall of forests stretching over 3,000 miles.

Identifying areas is the first step, and physically planting trees is the second step. Leading afforestation offsets (e.g., The Arbor Day Foundation, Reforest’Action, Ecologi) have tree-planting partners that help them plant trees around the globe. Transporting trees to specific planting locations is also one aspect of this stage with a carbon footprint. 

Operating and Maintaining of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

The operating and maintaining of afforestation carbon offsets includes any measures taken after planting trees to keep the planted lands alive and thriving. 

In order for afforestation projects to be successful, there must be measures in place to ensure permanence. The leading afforestation offsets (e.g., Reforest’Action, Ecologi, Carbonfund, myclimate) are effective at reducing carbon emissions because they monitor trees that have been planted to ensure they are not destroyed. 

Also, once established, forests can be protected under Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+). REDD+ is a United Nations-backed framework that aims to combat global deforestation and preserve rainforests. It chiefly protects existing forests and helps guarantee they will not be deforested. 

Lastly, the operating/maintaining stage is also where the offsetting promised by afforestation projects occurs. Trees absorb CO2 as they grow and incorporate it into their trunks, branches, roots, and leaves. Guaranteeing permanence also guarantees carbon absorption for many years to come. 

End-of-Life of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

The end-of-life of afforestation carbon offsets would include anything that puts the planted lands at risk of being destroyed, which hopefully would never occur.

Once a tree is planted, it should never be removed in order to guarantee permanence. But nature-based solutions, such as afforestation, often lack permanence because they are reversible. Rather than storing the carbon in permanent reservoirs (i.e., underground in rock formations), carbon is stored in biomass (trees). 

Trees are susceptible to a host of environmental disasters such as floods, fires, changes in land use, and climate change itself. Trees also die naturally over time, which can negate any permanence and signal the end-of-life of the carbon offset. 

How Effective and Efficient Are Afforestation Carbon Offsets

In terms of effectiveness, afforestation carbon offsets mitigate climate change because they reinforce our terrestrial carbon sinks; however, they often lack permanence, do not reduce carbon emissions immediately, and do not reduce your own carbon emissions, which can lead to greenwashing.

In terms of efficiency, afforestation carbon offsets are relatively cost-effective and can continue to avoid CO2 emissions after their project life span; however, they are also less efficient than restoring or protecting already existing forests.

Afforestation carbon offsets are effective at mitigating climate change because they reinforce one of our largest carbon sinks capable of absorbing a net 7.6 bt of CO2 per year.

However, afforestation carbon offsets can also lack effectiveness because they:

Afforestation carbon offsets are efficient at reducing CO2 emissions because they:

  • Are relatively cost-effective when compared to other methods of carbon emission reduction
  • Can continue to reduce carbon emissions long after the trees have been planted.

However, afforestation carbon offsets can also lack efficiency because they are more time and cost intensive than protecting (REDD+) or restoring (reforestation) previously existing forests.

Afforestation carbon offsets also do not reduce your own carbon emissions, which can lead to greenwashing. This occurs when emissions are only offset and not reduced from the source, and the consumer is deceived into thinking they are offsetting their emissions but in reality, they are not. This is why we should first reduce our emissions before relying on offsets.

Related: Are you interested in learning more about how effective and efficient afforestation carbon offsets are? Check out the full article here: “How Effective and Efficient Are Afforestation Carbon Offsets? Here Are the Facts

These Are the 10 Best Afforestation Carbon Offsets in 2024

The market for carbon offsets was small in the year 2000, but by 2010 it had already grown to represent nearly $10 billion worldwide. The voluntary carbon offset market (VCM) is where everyday consumers can purchase carbon offsets to offset their carbon emissions, and the Ecosystem Marketplace predicts the VCM can grow to $50B by the year 2050.

Afforestation carbon offsets are relatively cost-effective, and planting trees is one of the simplest ways you can contribute to the fight against climate change. Below are our favorite afforestation offsets.

Related: Are you interested in learning more about the best afforestation carbon offsets? Check out the full article here: “Best Carbon Offsets for Afforestation (Complete 2024 List)
Afforestation Carbon Offset CompanyQuick Facts
The Arbor Day FoundationAbout: Carbon offset purchases support afforestation (and reforestation) projects in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (US), Nicaragua, and Peru.
Costs: $40 per 1,000kg of CO2
Climate Impact PartnersAbout: Carbon offset purchases support afforestation projects in China and Guatemala. 
Costs: Costs are determined after initial contact
WeForestAbout: Carbon offset purchases support 5 projects under the Great Green Wall program, which plants trees across the width of Africa.
Costs: Costs are determined after initial contact
Reforest’ActionAbout: Carbon offset purchases support the planting of trees on degraded pastures in Kuzuko (South Africa) project.
Costs: $20 per 1,000kg of CO2
EcologiAbout: Carbon offset purchases support afforestation projects including restoring degraded land in Senegal and planting forest plantations on degraded grasslands in Uruguay.
Costs: $6.04 per 1,000kg of CO2
One Tree PlantedAbout: Carbon offset purchases support afforestation projects including restoring degraded land in Iceland.
Costs: $20 per 1,000kg of CO2
CarbonfundAbout: Carbon offset purchases support afforestation projects including the Panama reforestation project.
Costs: $16.25-$17.16 per 1,000kg of CO2 for individuals, $390-$1,560 per year for small businesses, determined after initial contact for large businesses
myclimateAbout: Carbon offset purchases support afforestation projects including community reforestation in Nicaragua.
Costs: $23-$30 per 1,000kg of CO2
WrenAbout: Carbon offset purchases support their community tree planting project, an afforestation (and reforestation) project that pays farmers in East Africa to plant trees on farmland.
Costs: $23 per 1,000kg of CO2
TerrapassAbout: Carbon offset purchases support the Québec afforestation (and reforestation) project.
Costs: $16.51-$17.63 per 1,000kg of CO2

How Can Afforestation Carbon Offsets Help Mitigate Climate Change

Climate change is a severe and long-term consequence of fossil fuel combustion. Afforestation carbon offsets can help mitigate climate change because the more trees we plant, the more CO2 they can absorb from our atmosphere. Carbon in our atmosphere can, if left untreated, remain there for tens of thousands of years and exacerbate the negative effects of climate change.

How is Climate Change Defined

Climate change is arguably the most severe, long-term global impact of fossil fuel combustion. Every year, approximately 33 billion tons (bt) of CO2 are emitted from burning fossil fuels. The carbon found in fossil fuels reacts with oxygen in the air to produce CO2

Climate change: changes in the earth’s weather, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and rainfall, especially the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere that is caused by the increase of particular gasses, especially carbon dioxide.

Oxford Dictionary

Atmospheric CO2 fuels climate change, which results in global warming. When CO2 and other air pollutants absorb sunlight and solar radiation in the atmosphere, it traps the heat and acts as an insulator for the planet. Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth’s temperature has risen a little more than 1 degree Celsius (C), or 2 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Between 1880-1980 the global temperature rose by 0.07C every 10 years. This rate has more than doubled since 1981, with a current global annual temperature rise of 0.18C, or 0.32F, for every 10 years. 

As outlined in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, we must cut current GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050

How Do Carbon Offsets Generally Help Mitigate Climate Change

Levels of carbon in our atmosphere that cause climate change have increased as a result of human emissions since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in 1750. The global average concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere today registers at over 400 parts per million. Carbon offsets can help prevent these levels from increasing even more.

When you hear the words “carbon offset”, think about the term “compensation”. Essentially, carbon offsets are reductions in GHG emissions that are used to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere

Carbon offsets that meet key criteria and verified project standards, are additional and permanent, and are a part of projects that are carried out until the end of their lifespan have the best chance of reducing carbon emissions and therefore reducing climate change. 

When we offset CO2 we also slow the rate of global temperature rise, which in turn minimizes the effects of climate change. 

How Do Afforestation Carbon Offsets Specifically Help Mitigate Climate Change

Afforestation offsets specifically help mitigate climate change because they plant more trees, and trees remove CO2 from the air as they grow. By increasing the number of trees on our planet, we increase the amount of carbon they are capable of storing. The more carbon our forests can sequester, the less carbon there is in our atmosphere. And because higher levels of carbon exacerbate global warming, less is better.

What Are The 4 Pros and 4 Cons of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

Afforestation carbon offsets reinforce our terrestrial carbon sinks, are relatively cost-effective, help maintain the water cycle, and can help offset carbon emissions that can’t be reduced otherwise. 

However, afforestation offsets also often lack permanence, do not reduce carbon emissions immediately, can negatively impact previously established ecosystems, and do not reduce your own carbon emissions, which can lead to greenwashing.

Related: Are you interested in learning more about the pros and cons of afforestation offsets? Check out the full article here: “Afforestation Carbon Offsets: All 4 Pros and 4 Cons Explained

What Are the 4 Pros of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

Afforestation carbon offsets have various pros that make them effective at absorbing carbon from our atmosphere.

4 Pros of Afforestation Carbon OffsetsQuick Facts
#1: Afforestation offsets reinforce our terrestrial carbon sinksForests act as a giant carbon sink capable of absorbing a net 7.6 bt of CO2 per year and storing it in their leaves, trunks, roots, and surrounding soil.
#2: Afforestation offsets are relatively cost-effectiveAfforestation carbon offsets themselves are typically more cost-effective than other categories of carbon offsets. For example, afforestation offsets from leading providers (e.g., The Arbor Day Foundation, Reforest’Action, Ecologi) cost less than $50 per ton of CO2 offset. 
#3: Afforestation offsets help maintain the water cycleTrees capture, store, and use rainfall which aids in maintaining water quality and regulating the natural water cycle. When it rains, trees slow down the flow of water by absorbing it into the ground. This filters pollution and reduces flooding risks.
#4: Afforestation offsets allow us to reduce carbon emissions in ways we wouldn’t be able to accomplish individuallyAfforestation carbon offsets allow us to reduce emissions from activities where sustainable alternatives are not yet widely available. 

What Are the 4 Cons of Afforestation Carbon Offsets

Understanding the drawbacks of afforestation carbon offsets is important when implementing this strategy on a large scale in order to mitigate climate change.

4 Cons of Afforestation Carbon OffsetsQuick Facts
#1: Afforestation offsets often lack permanenceAfforestation offsets often lack permanence because they are reversible. Trees die naturally, afforestation can introduce invasive species, and environmental disasters such as floods, fires, changes in land use, and climate change itself can negate any permanence.
#2: Afforestation offsets do not reduce carbon emissions immediatelyCarbon emission reductions are delayed when you plant new forests because you have to wait around 20 years for the trees to reach maturity before they can begin to reduce significant amounts of carbon emissions.
#3: Afforestation offsets can negatively alter previously established ecosystemsNot all ecosystems are conducive to afforestation. Afforestation can introduce invasive species, reduce biodiversity, and alter the ecosystem’s natural balance if not planned properly.
#4: Afforestation offsets do not reduce your own carbon emissions, which can lead to greenwashingIf emissions are only offset and not reduced from the source, this could lead to greenwashing, when the consumer is deceived into thinking they are offsetting their emissions but in reality, they are not. 

What Are Better Alternatives to Afforestation Carbon Offsets

If used correctly, afforestation carbon offsets can provide environmental, economic, and social benefits beyond reducing carbon emissions. They have the potential to instigate meaningful environmental change and begin to reverse some of the effects of climate change. 

However, we can’t let this method be a guilt-free way to reduce carbon emissions. Afforestation carbon offsets must be used in conjunction with direct carbon reduction measures because planting trees alone will not reduce CO2 levels enough in the short term to meet 2030 net-zero targets. 

These reduction measures don’t have to involve drastic changes either. Actions that may seem small can have a big impact because those small changes add up! You can reduce your carbon footprint in three main areas of your life: household, travel, and lifestyle. 

Reduce your household carbon footprint:

Reduce your travel carbon footprint:

  • Walk or bike when possible: The most efficient ways of traveling are walking, bicycling, or taking the train. Using a bike instead of a car can reduce carbon emissions by 75%. These forms of transportation also provide lower levels of air pollution.

Reduce your lifestyle carbon footprint:

  • Switch to renewable energy sources: The six most common types of renewable energy are solar, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, and biomass energy. They are a substitute for fossil fuels that can reduce the effects of global warming by limiting global carbon emissions and other pollutants.
  • Recycle: Recycling uses less energy and deposits less waste in landfills. Less manufacturing and transportation energy costs means fewer carbon emissions generated. Less waste in landfills means less CH4 is generated.
  • Eat less meat and dairy: Meat and dairy account for 14.5% of global GHG emissions, with beef and lamb being the most carbon-intensive. Globally, we consume much more meat than is considered sustainable, and switching to a vegan or vegetarian diet could reduce emissions. 
  • Take shorter showers: Approximately 1.2 trillion gallons of water are used each year in the United States just for showering purposes, and showering takes up about 17% of residential water usage. The amount of water consumed and the energy cost of that consumption are directly related. The less water we use the less energy we use. And the less energy we use, the less of a negative impact we have on the environment.

Because afforestation offsets are an indirect way and not a direct way of reducing emissions, they alone will not be enough to reduce global carbon emissions significantly. Direct measures of emission reductions, such as reducing individual energy use and consumption, are better alternatives to afforestation offsets.

Related: Are you interested in learning why reducing your carbon footprint is so important? Check it out in this article here: “4 Main Reasons Why Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Is Important

Final Thoughts

Afforestation (tree planting) carbon offsets are a specific type of carbon offset that plants trees in areas not recently covered with forests. CO2 reduction occurs as trees grow and mature, as they incorporate it into their trunks, leaves, and roots. Although emissions are not reduced immediately, planting trees is one of the simplest ways we can join in the fight against climate change. 

Although afforestation offsets can instigate meaningful change, they should not be seen as the only solution to climate change. They are effective at reducing CO2 in the short term, but in the long term, they fail to reduce CO2 enough. Afforestation offsets also do not reduce your own carbon emissions, which can lead to greenwashing.

When used in conjunction with direct CO2 reduction measures, carbon offsetting can be much more effective. We should reduce our own carbon footprint as much as possible first, and only then choose the most effective carbon offsets.

Stay impactful,

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