Why One Tree Isn't Enough (And What You Should Actually Buy)
Priya Sharma
28 January 2025 · 4 min read
A single tree might sequester 20-50 kg of CO₂ per year when mature. Your annual footprint? Probably 2-5 tonnes. You'd need 40-250 trees—and 20 years—to offset one year of emissions. Planting one tree is a start, but it's not a strategy.
The Math of One Tree
Trees take decades to reach peak sequestration. In the first five years, they absorb very little. And survival rates vary: without proper care, many planted trees don't make it. The "plant a tree" campaigns are great for awareness—less so for measurable impact.
Think in tonnes, not trees. One tonne of carbon removal is one tonne, regardless of the method.
What to Buy Instead
Buy carbon removal by the tonne. Look for projects with transparent methodology and traceable impact. Prefer removal over avoidance when possible. And consider your full footprint: the average Indian emits ~2 tonnes per year—offset that, not just a flight.
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Priya Sharma
Environmental Journalist
Former science correspondent at a leading Indian daily. Covers climate policy and carbon markets across South Asia.
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