A carbon credit is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to compensate for emissions made somewhere else. Credits are traceable, tradable and finite: When they are purchased, they are retired forever. This revenue funds projects and activities that protect or restore forests, often supporting local communities with alternative livelihood opportunities that keep trees standing, and it helps fund programs to do so in perpetuity.
A carbon credit is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to compensate for emissions made somewhere else. Credits are traceable, tradable and finite: When they are purchased, they are retired forever. This revenue funds projects and activities that protect or restore forests, often supporting local communities with alternative livelihood opportunities that keep trees standing, and it helps fund programs to do so in perpetuity.
The purchase of certified carbon credits helps protect forests around the world vital to local communities as well as to climate change mitigation. Funds will support the recruitment and training of local rangers, construction of new ranger stations, new communication and monitoring equipment, programs to convert illegal loggers to eco-entrepreneurs, and improving roads for rangers and tourists.
The goal of validated and verified carbon projects is to improve the well-being of resident communities by enabling the sustainable use of nature and by maintaining healthy ecosystems. Funds from carbon credits are used to improve health care facilities and schools; start local environmental education programs; and support local income-generating activities that promote conservation, such as ecotourism, tree nurseries, beekeeping and sustainable crafts.
The purchase of certified carbon credits helps protect forests that are home to globally significant biodiversity — including many plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. Funds help to implement endangered species management strategies, pay for additional camera traps for wildlife monitoring and install fences where necessary to reduce human-wildlife conflict.