FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH OLIVE TREES: REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT

FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH OLIVE TREES:
REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT

Olive trees have been an indispensable part of our lives for centuries with their delicious and healing fruits. The contributions of these legendary olive trees are not limited to this alone; the way to fight against climate change, one of the biggest problems for the future of the world, is hidden in the healing structure of olive trees. Because the olive tree is a natural solution to reduce carbon footprint.

So let's delve into the concept of carbon footprint with all its details and examine together the significant role of olive trees in reducing carbon emissions.

WHAT IS CARBON FOOTPRINT?

Before we discuss how the olive tree offers a solution to the increasingly high carbon emissions of today's living conditions, it is beneficial to examine the concept of carbon footprint. It's important to understand that not only corporations and institutions but also individual daily choices contribute to the increase of carbon in the atmosphere. Therefore, reducing our carbon footprint and taking measures against climate change is a responsibility we all share.

Our daily choices, from what we consume to how we travel and the energy we use, impact the environment. The way we produce goods and our reliance on fossil fuels lead to greenhouse gas emissions. The term "carbon footprint" refers to the total amount of these gases released into the atmosphere due to our activities. By calculating our carbon footprint, we can see how much harm we are causing to the environment. Understanding this helps us make better choices to reduce our impact and protect our planet.

Unless we take steps to reduce our carbon footprint, we will contribute to the increased emission of many greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, ozone, and methane into the atmosphere. These harmful gases create a greenhouse effect by leaving an invisible layer over the Earth. So, what happens next? The increased greenhouse gas effect leads to global warming, which is one of the biggest problems of our time, and global warming in turn brings about climate change.

In short, reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere starts with decreasing the carbon footprint, which represents the per capita carbon emissions. Remember, small changes in your daily life can lead to significant positive outcomes in the long run. Therefore, it is indeed possible to mitigate the damage to our planet by reducing our carbon footprint. Implementing these changes not only contributes to a healthier environment but also sets a precedent for sustainable living practices, fostering a more resilient ecosystem.

HOW TO CALCULATE CARBON FOOTPRINT?

Of course, to reduce the carbon footprint, it is essential for everyone to calculate their contribution to carbon emissions. The answer to the question, "How is the carbon footprint calculated?" needs to be evaluated from both individual and organizational perspectives.

Measuring a person's carbon emissions is possible through the calculation of their individual carbon footprint. For this, one must consider the energy consumption throughout the year, including electricity, natural gas, and coal, as well as the usage rate of any personal vehicles, and consumption habits that have an indirect impact on carbon emissions. This way, the carbon emissions generated based on average energy and fuel consumption and consumption habits can be determined.

When calculating the carbon footprint on an organizational level, the carbon emissions of institutions are evaluated in three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. These three stages can be explained as follows:

• Scope 1 (Direct emissions)
  Carbon emissions from sources directly controlled by a business fall under this scope. For example, the fuel consumption of vehicles owned by a company is evaluated within the framework of Scope 1 in the carbon footprint calculation.
• Scope 2 (Indirect energy-related emissions)
  These are emissions resulting from a company's energy consumption. For instance, emissions from a company's electricity consumption are evaluated under this scope.
• Scope 3 (Other indirect emissions)
  Emissions that arise from a company's activities but are not directly controlled by the company are referred to as Scope 3. This scope is broad and includes various elements such as greenhouse gases produced in the supply chain, fuel consumption based on the transportation methods chosen for business travel, and more.

Both individually and corporately, the carbon footprint can be calculated by paying attention to all these elements. However, remember that the carbon footprint calculation is just a tool. What matters is keeping the result of carbon footprint as low as possible. Therefore, it is essential for everyone to take action to reduce their carbon footprint.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO REDUCE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT?

The foundation of reducing the carbon footprint lies in acting with a sustainability mindset. Reducing energy consumption, switching to renewable energy, and considering eco-friendly transportation options are just some of the actions we can take. One of the most effective ways to keep carbon emissions under control is, of course, protecting green spaces and engaging in reforestation. Trees play a crucial role in capturing carbon dioxide from the air and preventing further increases in carbon emissions, as they are the oxygen reservoirs of the world.

But did you know that olive trees have an even more powerful impact in this regard? According to research conducted by the International Olive Council (IOC), olive trees can be considered a strong solution to climate change. As highlighted at the 2023 IOC conference, the world's 10.5 million hectares of olive groves have the potential to clean 47 million tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In short, olive trees are not only indispensable to our kitchen with their healing and flavorful fruits but also provide an effective solution for tackling climate change by significantly reducing atmospheric carbon emissions.

Of course, while olive trees have a natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, the methods used in olive and olive oil production are also crucial for reducing the carbon footprint. Another study indicates that olive groves using natural production methods absorb more carbon dioxide than those using intensive agricultural methods for mass production. Therefore, to reduce the greenhouse gas effect in the atmosphere, we need to pay attention not only to planting more olive trees but also to the methods used in olive production. We can enhance the olive tree's natural ability to absorb atmospheric carbon by supporting it with sustainable agricultural practices.

At Gaia Oliva, we use sustainable farming methods in our olive oil production, ensuring that the olive tree does not lose its vital role in reducing the carbon footprint. We carefully tend to the olive trees, harvesting the olives meticulously without harming the trees. We understand the great responsibility of processing this natural bounty in an environmentally beneficial way and passing it on to future generations. With this sense of responsibility, we produce and bring the most natural form of olive oil to your tables with our Gaia Oliva olive oil varieties.