May 04, 2023 | Science | Source |
Introduction: Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits based in UK, in collaboration with researchers from UK, Netherlands, US, Brazil reviewed the current state of carbon credits from conserving and restoring forests.
Key findings: To effectively combat global warming, increased investment in conserving and restoring carbon-dense natural habitats is essential. While some companies use certified carbon credits to offset their carbon emissions, the reliability of these credits depends on accurate quantification methods. Currently, methods for generating carbon credits from tropical forest conservation tend to overestimate their effectiveness, particularly in terms of additionality and the risk of emissions displacement. Additionally, the impermanence of carbon stored in vegetation and soils is not adequately addressed in current certification methods. However, there are better methods available to improve the credibility of carbon credits. These include using statistical techniques to estimate additionality more reliably, adjusting for leakage effects, and properly valuing impermanent storage. Implementing these improvements in credit quantification can enhance the effectiveness of carbon credits as a tool for climate change mitigation and forest conservation.