IAPMA’s Approach to Carbon Offsetting
Caring while connecting: in a globalized world we may not be able to fly less — international exchange and personal encounters are central to who we are — but we can take meaningful steps to reduce our footprint. Offsetting is one small act with big impact.
The Bigger Picture
Since the Industrial Revolution, human activity has drastically increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere — mainly through the burning of coal, oil and gas. These fossil fuels have powered economies, driven innovation and enabled global development, but at a steep environmental cost:
CO₂ levels in the year of 1750: 280 ppm
CO₂ levels now: Over 420 ppm — the highest in 800,000 years
The result? A stronger greenhouse effect, rising temperatures, more extreme weather, melting glaciers and widespread ecological disruption. Despite decades of scientific warnings, global emissions are still increasing.
2024 emissions:
41.6 billion tonnes CO₂ released
37.4 billion tonnes from fossil fuels alone
(Source: Global Carbon Project, 2024)
IAPMA: Powered by People and Travel
As an international organization, IAPMA thrives on global collaboration and recognizes that much of our carbon footprint comes from travel — flights taken by members to attend meetings, exhibitions and congresses around the world. — but our travel also contributes significantly to carbon emissions.
Examples: one return flight from Berlin to Shanghai emits around 3,218 kg of CO₂ — more than five times the annual emissions of an average person in Ethiopia (560 kg) and over 50% more than a year’s worth of driving a typical car (12,000 km/year = 2,000 kg CO₂).
What We Can Do: Offset Our Travel
We take our environmental responsibility seriously and encourage all members to offset their emissions wherever possible. We believe that responsibility begins with awareness — and action.
Here are five standout carbon offset providers*:
- Terrapass
- MyClimate
- Carbon Checkout
- Clear
- Given that air travel is our main source of emissions, we recommend Atmosfair
Offsetting a return flight like the Berlin–Shanghai example would cost around 100 Euro. For an additional 50 Euro, you can also support the development of climate-compatible e-kerosene through Atmosfair’s plant in Emsland, Germany, helping build the future of low-emission aviation fuel.
Taking steps to offset your carbon emissions not only helps balance your environmental impact but also supports the development of cleaner, more sustainable solutions for the future. Every effort matters and together, we can make a real difference for our planet.
* IAPMA does not receive any compensation or incentives for listing these providers. This information is shared solely for informational purposes to assist members in making informed choices.