Concern with the environment is one of the pillars of Rio de Janeiro’s candidacy to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Rio 2016 Bid Commission plans to offset all carbon emitted during the application stage by the planting of 2,386 seedlings in the Parque Nacional da Pedra Branca and at facilities such as the Maria Lenk Aquatic Park and the Deodoro Sports complex.

Overall, Rio 2016 will offset 716 tons of carbon, to account for emissions made during the period from September 2007 to October 2009.

Calculation of emissions took into account data such as the 5.3 million kilometers of flights to domestic and international events during the campaign which include the Beijing Olympic Games 2008 and official presentations for the Olympic Committees of the Americas, Asia and Europe. All regular operations at the Rio 2016 offices, including power and materials consumption, were also included.

The choice of city to host the Olympic Games takes place on 2 October; however work has already started. To begin with, the neutralization of 95 tons of carbon emitted during the visit of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Evaluation Commission, which took place between April 27 and May 3 - seedlings have already been planted in the National Park of Pedra Branca. This includes international travel made by Commission members and operations at the Copacabana Palace Hotel.

"The Rio 2016 Games will act as a catalyst for environmental legislation and programs across the three levels of government. All our activities are aligned with the city’s strategic plan for the protection of nature. It’s good to get a head start with this action now, in the application stage, "said Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of Rio 2016 Committee.

Neutralization of carbon emissions is not a new idea for the Rio 2016 bid. In the Candidature File delivered to the IOC, the concept of Rio’s "Green Games" was outlined, with the planting of over three million trees in strategic areas of Tijuca Forest. The initiative will also create the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), a legacy for neighboring communities which reinforces regeneration projects at the National Park of Pedra Branca, Tijuca Forest, and at the sports facilities and mangrove lagoons of Barra da Tijuca.