Understanding CO2 – The Basics

What is CO2? We hear about this constantly, but what do we really know about it? It harms mother earth. Fortunately, we now have increased focus on CO2.

Electric cars, electric bicycles, electric ferries and similar alternatives all seem less harmful to our environment than diesel and gasoline engines. However, are they truly better?

CO2 is the chemical abbreviation for carbon dioxide. This is a necessary gas, but it can also be harmful.

The Dual Nature of CO2

Necessary CO2

CO2 is found naturally in both air and water. Through photosynthesis in green plants and when living organisms breathe, carbon dioxide goes through a continuous cycle. It moves from death to living nature and then back to dead nature again. Therefore, CO2 is essential for all life on Earth.

Furthermore, CO2 affects the atmosphere’s ability to retain heat. Thus, the gas influences our climate. In this way, CO2 is both important and necessary.

Harmful CO2

On the other hand, harmful CO2 is generated by burning fossil fuels. Coal, natural gas and petroleum products like gasoline and diesel oil all produce CO2. Several other types of oil also contribute. Parts of industry and the transport sector release significant amounts of CO2. Because this gas is released into the atmosphere to such a large extent, it contributes significantly to man-made climate change.

Our Environmental Initiative

We have decided to honor planet earth by making people aware of their carbon dioxide footprint. On our tickets sold, we tell passengers how environmentally friendly they have been by choosing our service. Besides the financial information, we also give them the sum of CO2 used during their journey.

Foto av Kristian Qvigstad

Leadership in Sustainability

Kristian Qvigstad is one of Norway Yacht Charter’s leaders. He is working tirelessly for the environment. Moreover, he has lobbied for the necessity to show all people their CO2 use.

His main goal: Give receipts on all purchased goods showing the CO2 value. This way people will become more aware of their consumption and their footprint.

Oslo’s Green Capital Initiative

As the green capital of Europe 2019, Oslo was chosen to pioneer new ways of making people more concerned with their personal consumption. While governmental policies can set goals, the most important factor in reducing harmful CO2 is a mental change among all of us.

Practical Sustainability Tips

Reuse what you have
What you already own is less harmful to the world than buying new items. For instance, remember that plastic bags are harmful. Instead, reuse them.

Choose the Bygdøy Ferry
Taking the ferry to Bygdøy has less climate impact than you might imagine. Admittedly, we might produce more CO2 than some buses and cars. Nevertheless, it’s far less than you expect.

We will show the exact CO2 amount on our receipts. In this way, we become an inspiration to other companies. We demonstrate how to raise awareness of the CO2 impact.