It is undisputed that human impact on greenhouse gas emissions is significant, and society must strive to reduce its carbon footprint. This imperative extends to congresses, including the DOG congress.
Reducing C02emissions is achievable by avoiding unnecessary or excessive resource consumption. The DOG has initiated steps in this direction through the DOG Pura program, aimed at reducing resource consumption and emission of climate-damaging substances. While initial progress has been made, further measures are necessary.
However, even with the most efficient measures, it is unrealistic to hold a congress of over 5,000 participants, such as the DOG, in an emissions-neutral manner, as every human activity generates emissions.
Environmental contribution approach
The concept of an environmental contribution addresses the unavoidable harmful consequences of human activities. This involves an additional charge to compensate for the C02 emissions caused e.g. by flights, which is then used to finance projects that mitigate the corresponding emissions. This approach offers many advantages.
For the 2024 congress, the DOG offers participants the opportunity to make such a contribution. This contribution is based on the CO2 consumption determined by independent experts during the 2023 congress which was 908 tonnes.
The recommended fair price for one tonne of C02 currently ranges between 25,00 and 100,00 euros with a mean value of € 62,50. Therefore, the DOG would need to pay € 56.750 for offsetting emissions in 2023.
With a total number of 2.966 specialist participants, this results in a contribution per person of approx. 20,00 €. Participants have the option to make a voluntary additional contribution during registration.
Investment in the renaturation of moors
Compensation is an effective in countering the harmful effects of climate change, but its success depends on selecting suitable projects and measures. which are effective and sustainable and not merely satisfy the need for “greenwashing”. Due to the complexity of selecting suitable projects, numerous agencies have emerged in recent years. These agencies issue certificates to interested parties, verifying the amount of CO2 emissions saved. However, these agencies and their practices have recently faced criticism. A critical examination of the projects proposed to us in this context also reveals that they lack efficiency and sustainability.
For these reasons, the DOG has opted to endorse specific projects with clearly defined objectives, implemented and/or supervised by established organizations located within the EU.
The DOG has therefore chosen to allocate the raised funds to support NABU’s moorland restoration projects.
Details can be found here:
Peatlands are powerful natural carbon reservoirs, capable of storing tens of thousands of tons of CO2 over their lifespan. Restoration and protection of these valuable ecosystems are crucial for reducing CO2 emissions.
Moorland restoration projects require patience, as the process is lengthy and CO2 savings are not immediately visible. The immediate savings potential of these measures is therefore not apparent in the short term. Additionally, it will be challenging to precisely quantify the amount of CO2 saved through the funded initiatives. However, peatland restoration measures offer long-term sustainability and lasting benefits They not only positively impact the CO2 balance, but also make significant contributions to biodiversity preservation in newly created and protected habitats.
Please lend your support to the DOG’s efforts by making an environmental contribution for your congress participation.
Thank you very much!