The hidden link between my volunteer roles: Why carbon matters

This guest blog was written by Penny Anderson CEcol FCIEEM

What connects seemingly different volunteer roles? In my case, these include contributing to CIEEM’s Action 2030 working group, supporting the Ecological Restoration Special Interest Group (ER-SIG), and working as a CEcol assessor. At first glance, they might appear quite separate, but look a little closer, and a common thread emerges: carbon.

If you are applying for CIEEM membership, you will need to demonstrate high principles of Professional Standards (PS1 in the competency framework). Have a look at the description and you will see that this 2024 revised version includes demonstrating a commitment and informed action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases as well as improving opportunities for biodiversity. Carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas, so anything and everything you can and are doing at home or work to reduce emissions is important and worth sharing. You will capitalise on this experience to complete PS1.

CIEEM leads the way our profession is taking urgent action to address the climate and biodiversity crises. The climate emergency relates principally to the levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases like methane in the atmosphere and how we can all work towards reductions. We have seen how slow progress in this on a world scale is resulting in disasters for people and wildlife from fires, floods, heat, droughts and conflicts. The Action 2030 working group is supporting CIEEM in reaching net zero – aspirations whereby our emissions are net zero by 2030 or as soon as possible thereafter. CIEEM also wants to support you in working towards this too – personally or/and as part of an organisation.

Peat damaged by wildfire, South Pennines, 2018

Reducing emissions is the really urgent and large-scale action needed from governments, business and people. We are no exception, but as ecologists we can also help collectively by restoring nature and habitats that are also designed to sequestrate carbon. Every little action helps – it all adds up. Lots of us doing a little makes a bigger impact. So this is where the Ecological Restoration Special Interest Group (ER-SIG) comes in and its Rebuilding Nature best practice guidance for planning and undertaking habitat restoration of all kinds. This also includes incorporating ecosystem services – and carbon capture is just one of these that can be provided by habitats that are well designed and of the right species in the right place.

The SIG guidance is here and there is a link to the documents so far available under ‘The First Step’ which actually already includes all the overarching topics listed below this. The first habitat-specific guidance on bogs is published now too – so watch out for more. Share them with your friends and colleagues too.

Ancient woodlands can capture and store carbon effectively

Want to know more? Take a look at the resources linked below.

Action 2030’s webpage contains the carbon reduction plan that CIEEM is adopting and actioning – take a look and see if there are any actions that you or your employers could take.

You can find additional resources, produced by the Action 2030 group, on the CIEEM resource hub.

You can download some facts and figures about the climate and biodiversity crises here and get useful ideas for action here. This includes simple ideas for your garden (or window box) as well as links to a webinar on reaching net zero, articles on sustainable transport and carbon offsetting. Pension providers are considered – more on this later this year reflecting on CIEEM’s experience – it has not been an easy journey. There are links too to other papers and webinars (one in particular on eco-anxiety with top tips to cope with the climate and biodiversity crises).

My paper on carbon and ecosystems will help you identify the most suitable habitats for carbon sequestration or, for peatlands, to slow the huge carbon leakage and loss that is ongoing. Along with other Action 2030 working group reports, some thoughts on the carbon footprint of websites and carbon recording templates are provided along with a list of what you can do to download and start ticking off. If you manage all 45 items you are doing well, but start with one or two and you are away!

Share these with others too to see what they can do – and so start to build momentum. So many of the suggestions also save you money, make you more environmentally conscious and conscientious as well as helping the world in a positive way. Share these with friends, children and colleagues to increase your impact and don’t forget to include them in your PS1 competency account.

Flower-rich hay meadow with red clover is good for capturing carbon

Many of these documents are digital and updatable. Feedback is always welcome – having problems finding what you need? Need any more signposting? Got any comments or ideas for improving any advice offered? We would love to hear from you, contact us at er@CIEEM.net.

About the Author

Penny is a member of the Action 2030 working group and the Ecological Restoration Special Interest Group, and is also a CEcol assessor.