China’s Green Paradox
A fantastic article on the state of greentech in China, and how the most progressive country is also leading the world in carbon emissions.
Indeed, China may soon be simultaneously the greenest and the blackest place on earth. The country is poised to be at once the world’s leader in alternative energy and its leading emitter of C02. Alternative energy as a percentage of the total energy mix is increasing, but it will complement not replace growth in coal power. In fact, in a decade coal is expected to supply about 70 percent of China’s energy. Because of the sheer scale, diversity, and complexity of China, it is possible for the country to take some great green leaps forward, in particular progress toward its alternative energy and energy efficiency targets, while at the same time having its rivers remain black and its air quality a health hazard..
While China has plenty of investment capital going towards green industries, it looks like they have little in the way of green regulations. If reducing carbon curbs industrial or economic activity, the Chinese government isn’t interested. Here’s hoping policy evolves quickly.
Our Carbon Footprint Calculator
A few words about the centerpiece of our website, our carbon footprint calculator.
Those who’ve attempted to balance their carbon in the past notice the vastly different look and feel our calculator has compared to others. Customers often ask why we chose to take such a radical departure with the site’s central tool. More specifically, they wonder if something that calculates so quickly is at all accurate.
In the course of building Belgrave, we played with dozens of footprint calculators. One of the reasons we got into this business was the lack of quick, efficient calculation tools- the existing set tend to be very cumbersome. When I was inspired to offset my own carbon, I was shocked at how much work I’d have to put into what should otherwise be an easy decision. The services asked me to calculate how many KW I spent last month- something that requires some serious digging. It also asked for the model and year of my car, which is an unnecessary question since most cars have a similar carbon footprint, and tire pressure affects it as much as its make/model. I can only imagine how many millions of people have come to a carbon offsetting site with the intention of living carbon neutral, only to be turned off by hours of homework.
The decision to use an actuarial model was a no-brainer- it allows us to ask less questions and receive greater accuracy. It gives those of us without the luxury of time a chance to live carbon neutral. It also makes giving the gift of carbon neutrality possible, without digging through your friend or colleague’s trash for electric bills.
“The Belgrave Trust has a unique proposal, make living carbon neutral easier…”
That’s not just our opinion, it’s the word from Diedre Woollard at Luxist.com, the premiere source of info on things that are, well, top-notch. Here’s a little more about what they had to say.
The Belgrave Trust website helps members learn how to offset their entire lifestyle and easily purchase offsets. Many websites can help you offset the cost of a flight or road trip but the Belgrave Trust appeals to the lifestyle of the high-end consumer, showing offsets for things like private jet travel and wine collecting, allowing members to create a specific profile tailored to their lifestyle. For example, the site can help calculate offsets for recreational flying or yachting and can be set up to manage your total carbon usage. The world’s most affluent people are responsible for a greater share of the world’s carbon emissions. The Belgrave Trust challenges its members to assume a leadership role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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