Global climate change is upon us. There are still many questions to be answered about what the future holds, but there are some things we do know:

• Global average temperatures are on the rise.
  
• Polar ice is melting at an historically high rate, raising global sea levels and disrupting habitats and livelihoods.
  
• Deforestation continues unchecked around the world, as does fossil fuel consumption, both contributing to a rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration.
• The world has experienced recent increases in forest fires, desertification, and hurricanes.

We know there are problems, but there are positive actions we can take to help, too. A new movement is beginning, a way for individuals to reduce their impact on the planet.

Carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, is one of the main contributors to global climate change. CO2 occurs naturally, of course, but is also released into the atmosphere by human activity. Burning fossil fuels for transportation and energy generation is a major source of increasing CO2. So is the cutting and burning of trees around the world.

To bring the issue down to a personal level, studies indicate that the average American is responsible for generating 20 tons* of carbon dioxide yearly — largely through driving and other travel.

The second step is to reduce your "carbon footprint" by offsetting your remaining CO2 emissions by supporting projects that reduce CO2 emissions or capture CO2. You can determine how much CO2 you need to offset by either by using our rough estimates or by looking up your electric bill, gas bill, and your average vehicle mileage per month and plugging them into the CO2 calculator.

From fuelwood and emissions studies conducted by independent monitors, we've determined that each of our forest-saving, fuel-efficient stoves saves 1 ton of carbon emissions per year. Over the stove's minimum projected lifespan of 7.5 years, that translates into 7.5 tons of carbon. We estimate that every five trees we plant offset another ton of carbon.

By supporting TWP's stove building and reforestation projects, you can offset all or part of your yearly output of CO2.

The benefits are many:

• you help balance out your impact on the environment;
  
• you help save forests in Central America;
  
• you help improve the health of an average of five people with each stove you purchase;
  
• you help support Trees, Water & People's work to help communities protect and conserve their threatened natural resources.

TWP is offering various options to individuals and businesses interested in offsetting their CO2 emissions. If you would like to use a rough estimate of your emissions based on average North American consumption figures, TWP offers the following levels of annual CO2 emission offsets. Which category best describes your lifestyle? 

• Student: bikes or buses to school, travels during summer & winter break, lives in a modern dorm or apartment building, producing 10 tons of CO2 annually
• Low Emission Adult: commutes via bike, mass transit, or carpooling, travels occasionally, lives in a small energy efficient home or apartment, producing 15 tons of CO2
• Medium Emission Adult: commutes in a compact single-occupancy car, travels several times a year, lives in an average home, producing 20 tons of CO2
• High Emission Adult: commutes in a large single-occupancy vehicle, travels frequently, lives in a large inefficient home, producing 30 tons of CO2

You can offset your emissions at more modest levels: 2.5, 5, or 7.5 tons of CO2 for individual activities. Easily offset your carbon by supporting either our stove-building programs or our tree-planting programs.

As with any donation to TWP, offsetting your carbon by buying forest-saving stoves or planting trees is tax deductible. You may purchase your carbon offsets through our Sustainable Gifts Store, or by calling us toll-free at 877-606-4TWP.

* all tonnage figures are in metric tons. One metric ton = 2,200 lbs.