Augmenting Climate Transition across the Atlantic Transect: Extension-driven Solutions to Implementing Socially Responsible, High-Integrity Forest Carbon Offsets

This project aims to advance the development of high-integrity, socially responsible forest carbon offset projects on non-industrial forest lands in Pennsylvania, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina across an Atlantic seaboard transect, using a co-design approach with stakeholders to inform new carbon mitigation standards and engagement strategies.

Corporate commitments to reduce carbon emissions have encouraged widespread investment in nature-based carbon offset projects. However, many offset standards and ratings have experienced scrutiny by the public and investors for not perhaps leading to real or sustainable credits. Local communities are also unprepared to advocate for forest based offset projects that fit their needs and interests. The goal of this proposal is to use an integrated research-extension approach to explore opportunities and barriers to installing high integrity, socially responsible forest carbon offset projects on non-industrial forest lands throughout the Atlantic seaboard social-ecological transect. Central to our approach is a co-design process which involves key stakeholders in identifying research and education solutions. The types of offset standards and ratings assessed in this project may relate to, but are not limited to, extended harvest rotations, transformation of wood products including biochar and bio energy production, and protecting and restoring forest health (e.g., invasive species management, restocking). Human wellbeing metrics will focus on understanding potential co-benefits and impacts to the local economy. Deliverables include (a) descriptions of the research needed to inform new standards and ratings in order to build high integrity carbon offset projects at partner locations and (b) educational strategies for forest owners and communities who want to engage in the carbon economy. Findings will be used to secure additional funds that can expand collaborations and accelerate improvements in carbon offset project design.