The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating our atmosphere, and as the climate continues to change, our coasts and way of life face growing threats. Recognizing this, the World Surf League (WSL) made a bold commitment in 2019 to become carbon neutral, retroactively offsetting the emissions from 2018 and continuing to offset staff and athlete travel, events, and business operations moving forward.
WSL's carbon neutrality is achieved through strategic investments in Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) certified projects. These initiatives focus on restoring and protecting natural ecosystems while advancing renewable energy in the regions where the WSL operates.
In 2019, WSL transitioned to using 100% nature-based solutions, adding the McCloud River and Jari Pará projects to its portfolio. These nature-based solutions, also known as natural climate solutions, focus on restoring, protecting, and transforming land to naturally absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere. This commitment continued throughout the following years, demonstrating WSL's dedication to long-term environmental impact.
One key area of focus was reducing emissions from staff travel, which in 2018 accounted for 53.1% of the organization's total emissions. A concerted effort was made to minimize travel while maintaining the high standard of events for athletes and fans. By 2019, staff travel emissions had decreased to 45.8%, marking a 7.3% year-over-year reduction in the organization's largest emissions source.
Since 2018, the WSL has measured, reduced, and offset emissions across the WSL Championship Tour, Big Wave Tour, and overall operations. In total, from 2018 to 2023, the WSL has offset 29,067 tonnes of CO2 emissions (mtCO2e) through nature-based solutions. This is equivalent to planting and growing 480,625 trees over a 10-year period, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In 2021, WSL deepened its commitment by also offsetting the operations of the WSL Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California home to a rippable, open-barrel human-made wave.
For a more detailed look at the WSL's ongoing carbon offset efforts, please refer to the article: Deep Dive: WSL's Carbon Offset Efforts in Review. This comprehensive report highlights the various projects undertaken each year to reduce carbon emissions and further WSL's commitment to sustainability.
Healthy ecosystems are vital for a sustainable future. The ocean absorbs vast amounts of carbon, regulates our climate, and sustains countless species, making its protection essential for all life on Earth. - WSL
Together, we can protect our coastlines and ensure that the waves we love continue to thrive. By supporting WSL One Ocean and our partners, we're building stronger coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, protect sensitive habitats, and support local economies. Let's unite in our shared commitment to conserving these incredible surf ecosystems.
Support Our Partners Taking Climate Action to Protect Our One Ocean:
Together, we can make waves of positive change for our ocean, coastlines, and the communities that call them home.
WSL: Climate Action
WSL
The ocean plays a crucial role in regulating our atmosphere, and as the climate continues to change, our coasts and way of life face growing threats. Recognizing this, the World Surf League (WSL) made a bold commitment in 2019 to become carbon neutral, retroactively offsetting the emissions from 2018 and continuing to offset staff and athlete travel, events, and business operations moving forward.
WSL's carbon neutrality is achieved through strategic investments in Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) certified projects. These initiatives focus on restoring and protecting natural ecosystems while advancing renewable energy in the regions where the WSL operates.
In 2019, WSL transitioned to using 100% nature-based solutions, adding the McCloud River and Jari Pará projects to its portfolio. These nature-based solutions, also known as natural climate solutions, focus on restoring, protecting, and transforming land to naturally absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere. This commitment continued throughout the following years, demonstrating WSL's dedication to long-term environmental impact.
One key area of focus was reducing emissions from staff travel, which in 2018 accounted for 53.1% of the organization's total emissions. A concerted effort was made to minimize travel while maintaining the high standard of events for athletes and fans. By 2019, staff travel emissions had decreased to 45.8%, marking a 7.3% year-over-year reduction in the organization's largest emissions source.
Since 2018, the WSL has measured, reduced, and offset emissions across the WSL Championship Tour, Big Wave Tour, and overall operations. In total, from 2018 to 2023, the WSL has offset 29,067 tonnes of CO2 emissions (mtCO2e) through nature-based solutions. This is equivalent to planting and growing 480,625 trees over a 10-year period, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In 2021, WSL deepened its commitment by also offsetting the operations of the WSL Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California home to a rippable, open-barrel human-made wave.
For a more detailed look at the WSL's ongoing carbon offset efforts, please refer to the article: Deep Dive: WSL's Carbon Offset Efforts in Review. This comprehensive report highlights the various projects undertaken each year to reduce carbon emissions and further WSL's commitment to sustainability.
Together, we can protect our coastlines and ensure that the waves we love continue to thrive. By supporting WSL One Ocean and our partners, we're building stronger coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, protect sensitive habitats, and support local economies. Let's unite in our shared commitment to conserving these incredible surf ecosystems.
Support Our Partners Taking Climate Action to Protect Our One Ocean:
Together, we can make waves of positive change for our ocean, coastlines, and the communities that call them home.
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