Forest Carbon
Forests have the capacity to both store and emit carbon. Through the process of photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store carbon in the stem, roots, branches, and leaves. Wood products that are harvested from forests also provide long-term storage of carbon. When managed in an unsustainable manner, or when existing forests are cleared and converted to non-forest land uses (e.g. urban development, agriculture), forests may be net emitters of CO2 to the atmosphere.
Through sustainable management of existing forests, reducing rates of deforestation, and establishing new forests, forest ecosystems have the capacity to absorb additional CO2 from the atmosphere and help mitigate the potential impacts of climate change. Carbon markets may provide a financial incentive for forest landowners to implement management practices that reduce or sequester additional atmospheric carbon.
- 2015 Carbon Sequestration of Georgia Timberland
- 2013 Carbon Sequestration of Georgia Timberland
- Generating Value through Forest Carbon: An Introduction for Forest Owners in the US
- Georgia's Carbon Sequestration Registry
- Georgia's Carbon Sequestration Registry Fact Sheet
- Guiding Principles for a Practical and Sustainable Approach to Forest Carbon Sequestration Projects in the Southern United States
- Forest Carbon Publications Online
Forest Offset Project Standards and Protocols
- Climate Action Reserve
- American Carbon Registry
- Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)
- Chicago Climate Exchange
Climate Change Initiatives
- Climate Action Registry
- Western Climate Initiative
- Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
- United States Global Change Research Program
Carbon Market Information
Climate, Energy and Environmental Policy
- World Resources Institute
- Nicholas Institute
- 25x25
- Forest Carbon Standards
- National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc
- Pew Center on Global Climate Change
More Information
Contact Forest Utilization Staff