Land Use Policy
The worldwide campaign to rein in greenhouse gases (GHGs) continues to focus on improving the management of forests and agricultural lands. Land use accounts for nearly a quarter of GHGs released into the atmosphere by human activities.[1] Fortunately, the relatively low-cost practices of slowing rainforest destruction, and promoting reforestation efforts and sustainable agricultural practices, together have the potential to significantly cut these emissions. To this end, CCA will work to support the United Nations initiative REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus Conservation, Sustainable Management of Forests, and Enhancement of Forest Carbon Stocks). This broad program aims to implement policies, primarily in developing countries, that offer financial incentives for preventing deforestation, improving land use, and supporting reforestation. Results-based payments are to be granted to countries that meet REDD+ standards for a national action plan; a forest monitoring system; and emissions measurement, reporting and verification.[2]
A number of entities, both public and private, have
contributed to funds that support REDD+. NGOs such as
the Green Climate Fund and the Forest Carbon Partnership
Facility have made major contributions, while Norway has
pledged $960 million to Brazil, Indonesia, and Guyana
combined through intermediaries including the Amazon
Fund and Conservation International.[3] The successful
implementation of REDD+ has in this way required
cooperation between organizations and government,
setting a standard which CCA plans to follow in its efforts to
promote REDD+ policies. In addition to advocating for U.S.
contributions—in the manner of Norway—to REDD+ compensation funds, CCA plans to promote the integration of REDD+ policies with domestic carbon price initiatives. For example, revenue from a carbon price could be allocated directly to REDD+, or alternatively, companies could pay directly into a supporting fund instead of paying a portion of the carbon tax.[4]
Sources:
(1) See the following Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change: https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/wg3/ipcc_wg3_ar5_chapter11.pdf
(2) http://redd.unfccc.int/fact-sheets/redd-mrv-and-results-based-payments.html
(4) These proposals are attributable to Jason Funk, Senior Climate Scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists.
