FOREST CARBON OFFSETS
A forest carbon offset is a form of credit representing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission avoidance, reduction, or sequestration (i.e., removal from the atmosphere). Forest carbon offsets can be bought, sold, and retired by individual landowners, corporations, or governments with the goal of offsetting emissions released into the atmosphere elsewhere.
GREENHOUSE GAS SEQUESTRATION
Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store the carbon dioxide in their biomass as well as anchor it in networks of symbiotic roots, fungi, and microbes in the soil, effectively removing carbon from the atmosphere.
By creating a forestry carbon offset project, more trees can be planted and/or maintained to increase the amount of carbon sequestration and reduce the volume of GHGs in the atmosphere. Lowering GHGs can help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the amount of atmospheric carbon that contributes to global warming.
Many projects to reduce emissions or remove greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere would not be possible but for carbon finance and the carbon marketplace.
As a leading developer and supplier of natural climate solutions, Finite Carbon collaborates with a diverse group of clients, including:
HOW MANY CARBON CREDITS CAN BE GENERATED PER ACRE OF TREES?
The number of carbon credits generated per acre of trees can vary depending on several factors, such as the species of trees being planted or stewarded, the location and climate of the project, the method used to calculate the amount of carbon being sequestered, and the specific carbon offset program or standard being used. As a rough estimate, a mature acre of trees can sequester approximately 20-30 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a 100-year time period. However, this amount can vary depending on the factors mentioned above and can be higher or lower.
It is important to note that the number of carbon credits generated per acre of trees is not a fixed value but is based on a standardized calculation of the amount of carbon being sequestered. The calculation methods used by different carbon offset programs and standards can vary, which can result in different anticipated carbon credit yields for the same potential project.
To determine the exact number of carbon credits generated per acre of trees, it is necessary to conduct a detailed project assessment using a recognized carbon offset program or standard, such as those run by the American Carbon Registry, Verra, or Climate Action Reserve.
CARBON MARKETS FOR SMALL LANDOWNERS WITH FINITE CARBON’S MATT SMITH
COURTESY OF THE CATSKILL FOREST ASSOCIATION:
“FROM THE FOREST,” A WEEKLY RADIO SHOW ON WIOX, OUR LOCAL RADIO STATION IN ROXBURY, NEW YORK.
From The Forest Interview with Finite Carbon Vice President of Forest Operations
(Interview begins at 4:45)
WHAT IS CARBON SEQUESTRATION?
The capture and storage carbon dioxide (CO2) to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.
WHAT IS A CARBON CREDIT?
A standardized calculation of the amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere
WHAT IS CARBON FINANCE?
The purchase or sale of offsets can fund forest conservation and management.