Trees obviously take some time to grow, keep absorbing CO2 over many many years, and do not absorb carbon at a linear rate. To simplify for this, we calculate the number of trees we plant for you by considering the total amount of CO2 absorbed by each tree over its life. For example, if every month you emit 1.2 tCO2e into the atmosphere and a tree absorbs 0.3 tCO2e over its life, we plant 1.2 / 0.3 = 4 trees per month to offset your footprint for that month.
What this means is that in reality you are not carbon neutral the second you subscribe, this isn’t really possible with forestry as all trees need time to grow. But think of it as a CO2 absorption commitment by your trees. By planting trees with Selva you are ensuring that CO2 will be removed from the atmosphere in the coming years and well in time to make a big difference in the fight to reach net zero global emissions by 2050. Our partners have strict focus on long-term impact so ensuring their trees remain alive and well for decades is core to what they do and they do it very well!