Forestry Extension: Carbon Markets

Without a clear United States policy and lack of consensus in the international community regarding climate change, the entrepreneurial fervor that surrounded carbon markets has waned significantly. That is not to say the greenhouse gas market is dead. It is just waiting on direction from the policymakers.

In the meantime, there are various 'registry' programs being offered to forest landowners. These programs are registering eligible forestland; usually according to the minimum standards that were set forth in the Kyoto Protocol. By registering their forests, landowners will have the initial qualifying work out of the way. But, landowners need to be careful that in the process of registering their land, they are not tying their hands to a legally binding agreement they do not fully understand.

Read carefully and understand any documents before executing the agreement by your signature.