Charleston, SC — According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), we must halve global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change; many of these effects are already playing out in real-time across the globe. Examples here in the United States include increased drought and wildfires across the American West and rapidly expanding Hoot Owl restrictions in Montana, and increased intensity of hurricanes and sea-level rise in Charleston, SC. These and other more frequent and persistent changes to our environment have accelerated the need for more timely responses from every individual and business and is why we are announcing today that the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance is committing to Net-Zero emissions. Previously, Fly Fishing Climate Alliance (FFCA) members had committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, so what’s the difference between net-zero emissions and carbon neutral?
Carbon neutral means that we must remove the same amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as we release into it, but with a heavy reliance on purchasing carbon offsets to achieve carbon neutrality. Many FFCA members have already achieved carbon neutrality, which means they have: measured their scope 1, 2, 3 GHG emissions; made plans to reduce their emissions; and purchased credible carbon offsets for their Scope 1, 2 & 3 emissions to achieve carbon neutrality.
Net-Zero emissions means that we must remove the same amount of GHG emissions as we release into it, but prioritizes GHG emissions reductions over purchasing carbon offsets. More specifically, Net-Zero emissions means: 50% GHG emissions reduction by 2030; 90% GHG emissions reduction by 2050; and 10% unavoidable GHG emissions removed as a type of offset.
Here’s what FFCA founder, Rick Crawford, had to say about making the switch from carbon neutral to Net-Zero, “When we launched the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance in 2020, going carbon neutral was as simple as measure, reduce and offset your emissions to achieve carbon neutrality, which is still a great way to take climate action for small to medium enterprises who have no influence over their supply chain. However, the field of greenhouse gas accounting is rapidly evolving and there is a new Net-Zero Standard produced by the Science-Based Targets Initiative that launched in October 2021, which is now considered best practice. Basically, it means that we should prioritize greenhouse gas reductions over purchasing offsets. While we don’t have all the answers, and no company does by the way, we will go on this journey together because we must.”
Additionally, the Fly Fishing Climate Alliance rebranded and enlisted Ten And Two Co. to design the new logo. FFCA also launched their new website with the intention to drive the fly fishing industry towards net-zero emissions because our planet, human wellbeing and the fish we love to pursue with a long rod are at stake.
ABOUT Fly Fishing Climate Alliance
We are an alliance of fly fishing guides, shops, lodges, brands and nonprofits committed to achieving Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
To learn more, please visit: www.flyfishingclimatealliance.org, or email flyfishingclimatealliance@gmail.com.