Targa Drivers Target Carbon Emissions
The annual Targa race has kicked off to a good start for the Tasmanian environment this year with just over 60% of entrants asked choosing to voluntarily offset their emissions for the race.
This is the second year running that entrants have had the option to offset their vehicle emissions through Greening Australia in Tasmania.
“Having over 60% of the teams voluntarily offset emissions shows great leadership in the racing industry, this figure is up from only 20% last year” said Jonathan Duddles, CEO of Greening Australia in Tasmania. “We found the drivers this year really wanted to give back to Tasmania and the work Greening Australia is doing”
As part of the relationship between Greening Australia and Targa Tasmania, the event is reducing emissions and giving back to the environment. This year the event also provided specific categories within the rally for lower emissions and alternative fuel vehicles, with the introduction of the hybrid category.
“Targa is raising awareness around the issues, reducing emissions where it can and offsetting where it can’t” Jonathan said “The industry shows a real understanding of the problem, a positive attitude and support to working on a solution”
The money raised through the offsets will be used by Greening Australia to help plant out 100 hectares of land in the Tasmanian upper Derwent Valley.
This land is in low rainfall areas (less than 500mm) and the plantings aim to reconnect existing private conservation reserves. The plantings are also part of a major joint research project funded by the Australian Research Council and the University of Tasmania.
The research will identify the most successful species mixtures to maximise carbon sequestration, the effects of early and late successional species to forest growth and the balance of above and below ground carbon sequestration during the growth.
The carbon offset cost Targa Tasmania competitors $100 each for the six days of racing with the offset being voluntary for drivers this year. When Targa Tasmania turns 20 in 2011 the offset will be compulsory for entrants into the race.
TARGA Competitors
Vehicle Owners
Offset your vehicle emissions online now
Campaign leader and eight-time Targa winner, Jim Richards.
Offsetting the Targa - ABC Radio National Bush Telegraph
Mark Perry, event director of Targa Tasmania, and Rob Gel, president of Greening Australia discuss the initiative and encourage drivers to offset their vehicle emissions. Listen or download here.
About Greening Australia's biodiverse carbon offset program
More effective than monoculture plantations where only one species is planted, Greening Australia’s biodiverse carbon offset program focuses on mass plantings of a mix of native species in strategic, dedicated regions. The national carbon pool builds on 26 years of experience by Greening Australia in restoring habitats across the nation.
The program is backed by Greening Australia’s leading in-house scientists and is in partnership with the University of Tasmania.
When you offset your emissions you help to:
1. Reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere
2. Create healthier landscapes, able to cope better with climate change
3. Increase habitat for our unique Tasmanian wildlife
4. Help farmers deal with climate change
* Greening Australia is an Australian Government approved Greenhouse Friendly abatement provider. Our methodology to establish and maintain biodiverse forest sinks for in excess of 100 years is approved under Greenhouse Friendly by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change. Learn more here.