Land use and land cover change are an important part (about 20%) of the total human-induced emission of greenhouse gasses that lead to global climate change. While most of the attention has so far gone to reductions in the other 80% that relate to fossil fuel use (and some other industrial processes) no opportunity to reduce emissions can be left ignored if targets are to be met such as keeping global warming below 2 C. Reducing land-based emissions usually requires two things: A) dealing with the direct drivers of land use change that reduce C storage e.g. through forest conversion; and B) supporting sustainablelivelihood options that are compatible with high C stock landscapes with trees that provide goods and services. To get such efforts recognized a further set of steps is needed that we group here under monitoring evaluation and transaction costs. Since the discussion on 'C markets' has started there are high expectations that engaging in emission reduction and/or enhancing C storage can help provide funding for rural development. Much of that hope may be hype but there are opportunities for real benefits if intentions are genuine and projects are designed well. The international rules are still under discussion.
Publication year
2009
Authors
Keywords
Land cover, Land use
