Some Michigan State University (MSU) scientists are combining emerging carbon markets and sustainable forest production to help some of the world’s poorest communities grow trees.
According to excerpts from the article:
Called Carbon2Markets, the program includes collaborative projects with farmers, researchers and government agencies in five developing Asian and African countries. MSU researchers help the farmer groups integrate high-value forest crops, such as jatropha or shea, into the crops they're currently growing using methods that are smart and sustainable. Then the farmers use standards created by MSU experts to accurately measure and record the carbon stored in the soil by the trees.
Storing carbon in the soil keeps it out of the atmosphere, which helps slow global warming.
Besides earning money on the global carbon market forstoring the carbon—the Chicago Climate Exchange offers trading for all greenhouse gases—the farmers also use and sell the forest products they grow. Jatropha tree nuts can be used to make biodiesel, which is then used to run farm equipment or produce energy for a village. Shea tree nuts yield shea butter, a staple ingredient in high-end moisturizing lotions. The trees also provide food, timber, firewood and medicines.
Read the entire article here.
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