Abstract
This paper explores possible carbon offset solutions for the University of Richmond’s (UR’s) study-abroad travel emissions in pursuit of the University’s goal to be carbon neutral by the year 2050. First, our group divided the world into five regions to which UR students travel: Oceania, Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa. For the most popular countries in each region, we suggest several carbon offset programs to address this portion of the University’s carbon emissions. Then, we created a methodology for evaluating and comparing carbon offset programs around the world including six scoring categories: experience, education, incentive, price, impact, and effectiveness. We evaluated each offset option using a report card grading system on a scale from letter grade A to F. This paper concludes with recommendations for how UR’s Office of International Education and Office of Sustainability should proceed with this project, and how our research should be included into the existing study abroad framework at UR.
Paper prepared for the Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone.
Document Type
Unpublished Paper
Publication Date
4-2014
Recommended Citation
Bailey, Kristen, Kelly Kurz, and Tanya Sushkova. "Carbon Offset Solutions for International Travel Emissions." Paper for Environmental Studies Senior Seminar/Geography Capstone, University of Richmond, April 2014