Avoiding dangerous climate change requires a multifaceted response. Terrestrial carbon (including trees, soil, and peat) is a critical untapped element that could provide up to 25% of that response. Deforestation and the degradation of forests and peatlands in the tropics of developing nations currently cause the vast majority of terrestrial carbon emissions.

The objective of the Terrestrial Carbon Group is for terrestrial carbon to be effectively included in the international response to climate change. This paper provides guiding principles to do so in support of:

(a) ongoing global negotiations on reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and Kyoto Protocol; and

(b) emerging national, bi-lateral, and multi-national efforts to maintain and enhance terrestrial carbon. Both market and non-market approaches to terrestrial carbon and climate change are necessary. Within that context, the Terrestrial Carbon Group proposes a system to credibly include terrestrial carbon in developing nations in the international response to climate change using carbon markets. The Terrestrial Carbon Group works with governments, the private sector, civil society and academics around the world. We welcome dialogue and collaboration, and look forward to hearing from you.

Later in 2008, the Terrestrial Carbon Group's “How to Include Terrestrial Carbon in Developing Nations in the Overall Climate Change Solution” should be available in Bahasa Indonesia, French, Mandarin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

The Terrestrial Carbon Group welcomes your comments and suggestions on our work. Please contact us by email: CONTACT US

DOWNLOAD Media Statement here.(PDF)