Smart Net-Zero

July 1, 2021 | Sustainable Production and Consumption | Source |

Introduction: Climate change considerations needs to be integrated into circular economy by having consumers pay for nature-based solutions employed in the production of agricultural products. Researchers from Panteion University and Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece explore how fruit tree cultivation can contribute to CO₂ sequestration and estimates the economic value of this ecosystem service. 

Key findings: Using a survey-based method that gauges consumers' willingness to pay for eco-labeled products such as olive grown with carbon sequestration methods, the study estimates that around €1,200 per hectare can be generated for adopting cultivation methods that maximize carbon sequestration.This could incentivize farmers to adopt sustainable practices, benefiting rural economic, environmental, and social sustainability. The findings may also influence upcoming EU policies, such as carbon farming schemes, and encourage voluntary CO₂ markets.

Figure | Box plots of (a) annual willingness to pay (WTP) for certified olive oil in comparison to the actual annual expenditure on olive oil, and (b) WTP per liter of actual consumption