Planting trees to offset carbon emissions is considered a way to reduce the environmental impact of human activities. However, offsetting emissions through tree planting is far more complex than it is often portrayed: planting trees alone is not enough — they also require long-term care and maintenance. For this reason, we want to be transparent: we will plant trees and commit to caring for them for at least 20 years so they can help offset, even if only to a small extent, the impact of our event.

A cherry tree with a trunk diameter of 2.5 cm (approximately two meters tall) can absorb around 320 kg of CO₂ over a period of 20 years as it grows. Since the Bike Track Test generated approximately 1,300 kg of CO₂ equivalent[1], five healthy and properly maintained cherry trees could offset the event’s impact within twenty years[2].

This clearly shows why offsetting through tree planting is neither simple nor immediate. Moreover, the benefits of a tree go beyond carbon sequestration: over twenty years, a cherry tree can prevent approximately 6,500 liters of surface water runoff and intercept up to 116,000 liters of water. Through its leaves, it also contributes to improving air quality by removing carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter from the atmosphere.

Many additional benefits should also be considered: climate cooling, oxygen production, support for biodiversity through nectar, pollen, and fruit, and above all, the opportunity to create a lasting reminder of the reasons behind its planting and care.

PS: The environmental benefit calculations for the cherry tree are based on research conducted by the USDA Forest Service.

[1] CO₂ equivalent is a measurement unit used to express the climate impact of different greenhouse gases by converting them into the equivalent impact of CO₂ through the Global Warming Potential (GWP).

[2] The Bike Track Test emissions were calculated by considering participant travel and the vehicles used during the event, applying emission factors compliant with international standards such as GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-2 and using data from recognized databases including EcoInvent 3.11.