The ocean is essential to life on Earth, acting as a powerful climate regulator and sustaining coastal communities around the world. As environmental challenges continue to evolve, safeguarding our ocean, coasts, and way of life has never been more important. At the World Surf League (WSL), we are committed to carbon neutrality, ensuring that we account for emissions across multiple facet of our operations-from powering our events and producing live broadcasts to athlete and staff travel, event logistics, and the supply chain of our merchandise and partnerships. In collaboration with One Carbon World, our trusted carbon accounting partner, we rigorously measure our emissions and invest in high-quality, verified carbon offset projects that drive meaningful environmental impact. Through these efforts, we are not only reducing our footprint but also championing solutions that protect the ecosystems and communities that make surfing possible.
WSL's carbon neutrality is achieved through investments in rigorously vetted climate solutions, including projects certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). These initiatives not only focus on restoring and preserving natural ecosystems, but also deliver broader co-benefits-such as protecting biodiversity, improving local community livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience-while supporting clean energy advancements in the regions where WSL operates.
In 2019, WSL transitioned entirely to nature-based solutions, incorporating projects such as the McCloud River and Jari Pará initiatives into its portfolio. These solutions emphasize ecosystem restoration, protection, and land management strategies that enhance carbon absorption. Our continued investment in these efforts underscores WSL's commitment to measurable, science-backed environmental impact.
One of the most significant contributors to our carbon footprint has been staff travel, which in 2018 accounted for 53.1% of total organizational emissions. In response, WSL has actively worked to optimize travel while maintaining the high quality of events for athletes and fans. By 2019, emissions from staff travel had decreased to 45.8%, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year reduction in this category.
2023 saw a reduction in emissions associated with WSL Staff Flights by 32% since the 2022 measurement period. 2023 also saw a continued reduction in emissions associated with electricity use at the WSL Surf Ranch by 90% through sourcing of renewable electricity. This achieved a reduction in Scope 2 (market based) emissions.
Since 2018, WSL has systematically measured, reduced, and offset emissions across its global Championship Tour, Big Wave Tour, and overall operations. Between 2018 and 2023, these efforts have resulted in the offset of 29,067 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (mtCO2e) through nature-based solutions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offsetting 29,067 metric tonnes of CO₂e is equivalent to the carbon sequestration of approximately 480,625 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. (Source: EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator).
In 2021, WSL expanded its emissions mitigation strategy to include the operations of the WSL Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California-a world-renowned training and competition venue featuring a high-performance human-made wave. This step further demonstrates our commitment to making all aspects of our sport more sustainable.
For a more detailed look at WSL's ongoing carbon reduction efforts, explore our in-depth report: Deep Dive: WSL's Carbon Offset Efforts in Review. This comprehensive analysis highlights the various initiatives undertaken each year to advance our sustainability goals and ensure that surfing remains a positive force for ocean health and environmental stewardship.
Healthy ecosystems are vital for a sustainable future. The ocean absorbs vast amounts of carbon, regulates our climate, and sustains countless species, making its protection essential for all life on Earth. - WSL
Together, we can protect our coastlines and ensure that the waves we love continue to thrive. By supporting WSL One Ocean and our partners, we're building stronger coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, protect sensitive habitats, and support local economies. Let's unite in our shared commitment to conserving these incredible surf ecosystems.
Support Our Partners Taking Climate Action to Protect Our One Ocean:
Together, we can make waves of positive change for our ocean, coastlines, and the communities that call them home.
WSL: Climate Action
WSL
The ocean is essential to life on Earth, acting as a powerful climate regulator and sustaining coastal communities around the world. As environmental challenges continue to evolve, safeguarding our ocean, coasts, and way of life has never been more important. At the World Surf League (WSL), we are committed to carbon neutrality, ensuring that we account for emissions across multiple facet of our operations-from powering our events and producing live broadcasts to athlete and staff travel, event logistics, and the supply chain of our merchandise and partnerships. In collaboration with One Carbon World, our trusted carbon accounting partner, we rigorously measure our emissions and invest in high-quality, verified carbon offset projects that drive meaningful environmental impact. Through these efforts, we are not only reducing our footprint but also championing solutions that protect the ecosystems and communities that make surfing possible.
WSL's carbon neutrality is achieved through investments in rigorously vetted climate solutions, including projects certified under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). These initiatives not only focus on restoring and preserving natural ecosystems, but also deliver broader co-benefits-such as protecting biodiversity, improving local community livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience-while supporting clean energy advancements in the regions where WSL operates.
In 2019, WSL transitioned entirely to nature-based solutions, incorporating projects such as the McCloud River and Jari Pará initiatives into its portfolio. These solutions emphasize ecosystem restoration, protection, and land management strategies that enhance carbon absorption. Our continued investment in these efforts underscores WSL's commitment to measurable, science-backed environmental impact.
One of the most significant contributors to our carbon footprint has been staff travel, which in 2018 accounted for 53.1% of total organizational emissions. In response, WSL has actively worked to optimize travel while maintaining the high quality of events for athletes and fans. By 2019, emissions from staff travel had decreased to 45.8%, reflecting a 7.3% year-over-year reduction in this category.
2023 saw a reduction in emissions associated with WSL Staff Flights by 32% since the 2022 measurement period. 2023 also saw a continued reduction in emissions associated with electricity use at the WSL Surf Ranch by 90% through sourcing of renewable electricity. This achieved a reduction in Scope 2 (market based) emissions.
Since 2018, WSL has systematically measured, reduced, and offset emissions across its global Championship Tour, Big Wave Tour, and overall operations. Between 2018 and 2023, these efforts have resulted in the offset of 29,067 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (mtCO2e) through nature-based solutions. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, offsetting 29,067 metric tonnes of CO₂e is equivalent to the carbon sequestration of approximately 480,625 tree seedlings grown for 10 years. (Source: EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator).
In 2021, WSL expanded its emissions mitigation strategy to include the operations of the WSL Surf Ranch in Lemoore, California-a world-renowned training and competition venue featuring a high-performance human-made wave. This step further demonstrates our commitment to making all aspects of our sport more sustainable.
For a more detailed look at WSL's ongoing carbon reduction efforts, explore our in-depth report: Deep Dive: WSL's Carbon Offset Efforts in Review. This comprehensive analysis highlights the various initiatives undertaken each year to advance our sustainability goals and ensure that surfing remains a positive force for ocean health and environmental stewardship.
Together, we can protect our coastlines and ensure that the waves we love continue to thrive. By supporting WSL One Ocean and our partners, we're building stronger coastal communities that promote responsible tourism, protect sensitive habitats, and support local economies. Let's unite in our shared commitment to conserving these incredible surf ecosystems.
Support Our Partners Taking Climate Action to Protect Our One Ocean:
Together, we can make waves of positive change for our ocean, coastlines, and the communities that call them home.
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