Policies and Incentives Drive Land Use Changes with Major Impacts on Climate and Conservation
-
Economic incentives and policies play a major role in influencing land use changes related to forestry and agriculture. Well-designed policies can drive positive environmental outcomes.
-
Brazil recently reduced Amazon deforestation over 50% through government policies, law enforcement, agricultural programs, and carbon market incentives. This shows the potential of land use policies as a climate solution.
-
The US Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers not to farm on environmentally sensitive land. It has successfully directed over $2 billion per year to land conservation.
-
Regulated carbon markets, covering 25% of emissions, are worth around $1 trillion annually. Though imperfect, they have exceeded expectations in reducing emissions cost-effectively.
-
Voluntary carbon markets have issues with quality and claims. Initiatives are emerging to address these through increased standardization, scaling, and government regulation.