At Fair Trade Electives, we encourage students to think critically about the environmental impact of international travel and make informed personal choices about their carbon footprint. In this reflective news article, our Co-Founder and Academic Lead, Professor Jon Dowell, shares his insights on carbon calculation, offsetting, and responsible global mobility based on his recent recruitment visits to Asia and Africa.
Thinking about your carbon footprint?
Good – so do we!
This is a personal piece written by Jon Dowell, Founder and Academic Lead of FTE and long-time modest environmentalist. I used my 2024 site recruitment visit to Asia as a spur to refresh my thinking about carbon footprints as I know this concerns some and also can be used as an argument against electives altogether. I disagree strongly and instead argue that a well-considered extended educational visit is a far better justification than most air travel. Indeed, if you are visiting Global South destinations then your daily living footprint may be so much less that things counterbalance anyway!
Here is my conclusion, supported by some extracts from AIpro reports I used to update my analysis. I hope it helps you engage with the issue and make your own decisions in an informed way too. I have elected to offset my travel, and I hope you do too, but FTE policy is that this is a purely personal and private decision.
Summary
I have had the privilege of two extended trips to assess and recruit sites suitable for FTE placements. Asia in 2024 and Africa in 2025. I decided to do some homework, so you don’t have to.
My flight footprint
I used Carbon Footprint Calculator (https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx) which took 5 mins for flights – it was a bit fiddly for me as the limit is 3 flight so I had to run it twice, but it was better than the other sites.
To Offset?
ChatGPT summarises the key issues in the offsetting debate well below. My take is simple. It’s not perfect in many ways but is better than ignoring such large and optional personal contributions to our collective problem. Doing so sets an example for others, is not a huge extra cost, and can support excellent work that is likely to make a positive difference. Using a recognised certified scheme should allay concerns regarding longevity and impact.
My Choice
2024 Asian Recruitment trip – Estimate 3.65t. They offered links to various certified options to offset ranging from £28-65. After some time battling with corporate focused organisations not catering to individuals I was left with just https://www.carbonfootprint.com/ and Donate to Fight Climate Change with Trees – Woodland Trust. I elected to make a contribution the latter.
2025 African Recruitment trip – Estimated footprint nearly 5t at an offset cost of £35-45. Having seen first-hand how Medic to Medic support community based reforestation efforts on Mount Soche and Mulanje village and support their sponsored students with tree planting grants for their home communities I have elected to contribute to this programme and will propose this to our trustees as a recommended route for FTE elective students going forward.
Want more detail?
To calculate
When it comes to calculating carbon emissions for travel, there are several tools available that can help you estimate your carbon footprint based on your travel choices (e.g., flying, driving, or taking public transportation). Here are three of the best carbon calculators for travel:
CoolClimate Network
– Website: [CoolClimate Calculator](https://coolclimate.org/calculator)
– Features: Developed by the University of California, Berkeley, this calculator allows users to estimate their carbon footprint based on various factors, including travel habits. It takes into account different modes of transport, including flights, cars, and public transportation.
MyClimate
– Website: [MyClimate Calculator](https://www.myclimate.org/)
– Features: MyClimate provides a detailed travel carbon calculator that can assess emissions from flights, car journeys, and other travel modes. Users can also purchase carbon offsets to counterbalance their emissions directly through the platform.
Carbon Footprint Ltd.
– Website: [Carbon Footprint Calculator](https://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx)
– Features: This site offers a broad range of calculators, including one specifically for calculating carbon emissions from travel. It allows users to enter specific details about their travel plans for a more accurate estimation.
These calculators are user-friendly and provide a good assessment of your travel-related carbon emissions, helping you make informed decisions about reducing your carbon footprint.
To offset??
Carbon offsetting for travel is a practice where individuals or organizations invest in environmental projects to compensate for their carbon emissions produced during travel. Here are some pros and cons associated with carbon offsetting for travel:
Pros:
1. Mitigates Environmental Impact:
– Offsetting can help neutralize the carbon emissions produced during travel, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
2. Supports Sustainable Projects:
– Funds from carbon offsetting often go towards renewable energy, reforestation, and conservation projects, which can have broader environmental benefits.
3. Raises Awareness:
– Engaging in carbon offsetting can increase awareness of carbon footprints and inspire travelers to consider more sustainable practices in their overall travel habits.
4. Flexible Options:
– Travelers can choose from a variety of offset projects, allowing them to align their contributions with their personal values (e.g., supporting local communities, protecting biodiversity).
5. Industry Support:
– Many airlines and travel companies are now offering carbon offsetting options, making it more accessible for consumers to take action.
Cons:
1. Greenwashing Concerns:
– Some companies may offer carbon offsets as a marketing tactic without having a meaningful commitment to sustainability, potentially leading to consumer mistrust.
2. Not a Substitute for Direct Action:
– Offsetting should not be seen as a replacement for reducing one’s carbon emissions. It can create a false sense of security that allows individuals and organizations to continue carbon-intensive behaviors without making necessary reductions.
3. Variability in Project Effectiveness:
– The effectiveness of carbon offset projects can vary significantly. Some projects may not sequester as much carbon as promised or may not have additional environmental benefits.
4. Complexity and Transparency:
– Understanding the specifics of how offsets are calculated and ensuring transparency in project outcomes can be complex and confusing for consumers.
5. Limited Scope:
– Offsetting typically addresses CO2 emissions only; it may not account for other greenhouse gases (e.g., methane, nitrous oxide) that have a more significant impact per unit on climate change.
Conclusion:
While carbon offsetting for travel offers a way to counterbalance emissions and contribute to environmental projects, it is essential for travellers to consider it as part of a larger strategy that includes reducing their carbon footprint directly. Always research and choose credible offset programs to ensure the effectiveness and authenticity of the initiatives you support.
Offsetting options
ChatGPT really let me down here, finding primarily corporate focused companies. After filtering multiple searches, including looking for UK peat restoration options, I was left with:
1. Atmosfair – German site that’s challenging to navigate
– Why recommended: These platforms offer tools to help individuals calculate their travel emissions and invest in certified carbon reduction projects, such as renewable energy initiatives. By choosing these platforms, individuals can ensure that their offset contributions support credible and impactful projects.
– Web links: [Gold Standard](https://www.goldstandard.org) | [Atmosfair](https://www.atmosfair.de) Donations page in English Act Now! – atmosfair
2. Carbon Footprint Ltd.
– Overview: This organization provides a comprehensive carbon footprint calculator and carbon offsetting options focused on projects like renewable energy and reforestation.
– Why: They offer clarity and transparency on how funds are used, as well as various project choices that allow you to support initiatives that align with your values.
– Link: [Carbon Footprint Ltd.](https://www.carbonfootprint.com/)
3. The Woodland Trust
– Overview: This charity focuses on tree planting and forest conservation within the UK, offering individuals and businesses the chance to offset their carbon footprint by supporting their projects.
– Why: The Woodland Trust’s initiatives focus on local biodiversity and creating accessible woodlands, which not only help sequester carbon but also enhance ecological health in the UK.
– Link: [The Woodland Trust](https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/) Donate to Fight Climate Change with Trees – Woodland Trust
- In the UK, several initiatives appear about to offer opportunities to invest in peatland restoration to offset carbon, including verified projects through the Peatland Code, a recognized framework for measuring carbon benefits. One notable option is Heathrow, so maybe BA flight offsetting uses this?
Heathrow Airport’s Carbon Offset Projects: Through their Centre of Excellence, Heathrow supports peatland restoration projects like those at Little Woolden Moss in Lancashire. These projects offer carbon offsets while benefiting local ecosystems. More information is available on the Heathrow website
Conclusion
These carbon offsetting options provide a blend of reliability, impact, and transparency for individuals and organizations looking to mitigate their carbon footprint. You may be aware of or able to find others, but this market has matured rapidly and you might also want to check out whatever your airline offers. I found this hard to evaluate.