Introduction to Reverse The Effect

Reverse the Effect is a Queensland Government initiative to encourage motorists to balance the impact of their vehicles' greenhouse gas emissions on the environment. Queensland motorists can get involved by making a donation to the Balance the Earth Trust. These donations go towards helping to plant trees and create native forests that capture carbon from the atmosphere and reduce the impact of greenhouse gases. By creating native forests we can expand protected natural areas in Queensland to minimise the effects of climate change and to enhance the environment for the future.

The program aims to educate and encourage people to think about how they can minimise their vehicle emissions, change their driving behaviour and balance the emissions that simply can not be avoided. The Queensland Government will match motorists' contributions dollar-for-dollar, over the next three years.

Why balance your vehicle emissions

Climate change is the result of changes in our weather patterns caused by an increase in the earth's average temperature. This is a result of increases in greenhouse gases in the earth's atmosphere. These gases soak up heat from the sun but instead of the heat leaving the earth's atmosphere, some of it is trapped, making the earth warmer. Greenhouse gases have always been a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the sun's warmth and maintain the earth's temperature at a level necessary to support life.  The problem we now face is that human actions are increasing the amount of the gases that trap heat.  This is the enhanced greenhouse effect, which is contributing to a warming of the earth's surface (Department of Climate Change, 2009).

In 2009, the transport sector was the fourth largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland generating approximately 13 per cent of statewide emissions. Road transport was the largest source of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions in 2009, contributing approximately 83% of the sector's emissions or 16.8 million tonnes. There are currently around 3.4 million vehicles registered in Queensland.

Reverse the Effect offers motorists the opportunity to help reduce the impact of their vehicles' emissions by donating towards the planting of native forests. By planting trees we not only help balance the effect of greenhouse gas emissions, but create important new environments and areas for Queenslanders and future generations to enjoy.

How it works

Your contribution to the Balance the Earth Trust is a tax deductible donation. Donation amounts are calculated on an estimated carbon footprint of Queensland's average use of different vehicle sizes as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over a period of time. You can select to help balance the emissions of a moped, motorbike, hybrid, various sized cars, light commercial vehicle or rigid truck for a period of either 6 or 12 months. For each vehicle selected you can choose to see the calculation for how the footprint has been estimated. All footprint calculations have been developed using the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change's Green Vehicle Guide and associated National Greenhouse Account Factors.

The Queensland Government will match motorists' contributions dollar-for-dollar. Donations can only be made online via www.reversetheeffect.com.au using Visa or Mastercard.

Where the money goes

All donations received are to be held initially by the Balance the Earth Trust. These donations will be applied towards forestry projects in Queensland.

The forestry projects will be planted in locations that will complement and enhance our protected natural areas in Queensland to provide maximum environmental benefits. The forests will be planned by ecological specialists to achieve long term viability and biodiversity outcomes. Multiple tree species will be planted to create forests that add to a locations ability to survive long term, increase resilience to climate change and enhance the natural environment. These forests will also provide important habitat for wildlife. The trees planted will be protected and remain in the ground for over 100 years.

The trees will be measured using Australian national standards to determine the amount of carbon captured. The carbon captured will be matched to the donations received to help balance vehicle emissions. Any carbon credits that are created from the plantings will be accredited under Australian national standards and retired from the carbon market.

Partners

The Queensland Government including the Office of Climate Change are proud eco-partners of Reverse the Effect.

   

An initiative of the Queensland Government

The Queensland Government has developed the climate change strategy, ClimateQ: toward a greener Queensland to help raise awareness and take action against the impact of climate change. Reverse the Effect is one of 39 initiatives within ClimateQ that aims to reduce the state's greenhouse gas emissions.

Drive change

Reverse the Effect encourages Queenslanders to drive change. Helping balance your vehicles' emissions is a positive contribution to our environment. However, it's important to first think of alternatives to using your car and, when you do use it, consider how to reduce the emissions. The more we think and change the more we can Reverse the Effect of climate change. Climate change is everyone's responsibility as it is one of the greatest social, economic and environmental challenges of our time.

Ways to reduce your vehicles' carbon footprint

To minimise emissions, there are many opportunities for Queenslanders to reduce car use and instead consider more environmentally friendly travel options, such as public transport, cycling, walking and car pooling. In addition to helping the environment, these travel options reduce traffic congestion, improve health, save money, save time (by exercising as you travel or reading on the bus) and reduce stress.

Where it is not possible to travel by a more environmentally friendly mode, you can still reduce your emissions by:

  • Purchasing the most fuel-efficient car for your needs;
  • Planning ahead to reduce the frequency and length of your car trips;
  • Servicing your car regularly, keeping the tyres inflated to the recommended pressure, and removing roof racks and unnecessary weight;
  • Driving smoothly by avoiding unnecessary accelerating and braking;
  • Avoiding peak hour city driving; and
  • Joining or organising a car pool.