CarbonWise is an action programme developed by Whaingaroa Environment Centre, to reduce and offset our carbon emissions. It is happening now in our schools, community, and soon in local businesses.
CarbonWise uses a computer to calculate carbon emissions, and the number of trees required to offset these emissions. We also provide advice, education and stimulate action, like tree planting, to reduce our emissions.
Thanks to WEL, CarbonWise has set up 3 nurseries in local schools and kids are learning about the carbon cycle and growign trees.
For classes involved, their classroom learning has included:
Learning that Carbon is in nearly all living and non-living things and comes in many different states
Learning about the basic Carbon Cycle and the function of trees/plants within it
Understanding Oil - how it is made and assessing the pros and cons of it's usage
Understanding how we are pumping too much CO2 into the air (and disrupting the Carbon Cycle)
Exploring the benefits of planting trees/plants (Carbon storage and cycle, habitats, building, restore natural and riparian areas etc)
Introducing the species of native trees that will be planted and why
Stage II of CarbonWise (kindly funded by EW) is about to kick off this October with some neat initiatives in our community and local businseses. Watch this space for energy saving tips, reducing waste, and getting advice on reducing your carbon footprint.
Our Carbon Calculator will be up and running soon in the centre. For a minimal $5, you can enter your info and calculate the amount of carbon you produce, get tips on reducing it, and how many trees you need to plant to off-set it. All locals registering also get a funky CarbonWise car sticker. Members of the CarbonWise community will also get access to great workshops starting in 2011.
Why?
Scientists tell us that carbon dioxide has increased 36% and methane 150% since the 19th century. Both of these gases are green-house gases which cause our environment to heat up. Since 1900 the average global temperature has risen 0.9 degrees.
350 (ppm) is a number associated with climate change. Scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in "Parts Per Million" in our atmosphere. We are currently sitting on 382ppm and it is rising 2ppm each year. Hence, trees in the ground, action and education will assist in slowing that number down, or hopefully reversing it.
