Reforesting Mine Lands Through the Carbon Market: One Nature-Based Solution

These markets trade the sale of carbon “credits” for the reduction and removal of carbon dioxide, which is accumulating in our atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels and causing climate change. [...] In the United States, for example, the first large-scale direct air capture plant will not yet be operational for several years.9 Over the last two years, the federal government has committed billions of dollars to accelerate the development of direct air capture technology, including $3.5 billion in one grant program alone, and the industry is expected to expand over the next decade.10 8 Nicholas. [...] Forest Service mapped forest carbon flux, which combines carbon dioxide emissions and removal, from the atmosphere (measured in MMT CO2 eq., or metric tons of CO2) and found that healthy forests in Central Appalachia uptake some of the highest amounts of carbon dioxide in the country.14 Combined with recent scientific studies, this data shows that the potential for removal and sequestration throug. [...] After measurement and verification of both carbon sequestration rates and related multi-benefits, Appalachian Voices can enter the carbon market and begin to sell carbon credits for the reforested land. [...] Participating landowners will receive a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) forest management plan for the property, a forest carbon inventory, assistance with carbon credit development and marketing, and potential additional income from the sale of carbon credits.