Carbon, the sixth element on the Periodic Table, is found in a variety of forms in nature. Carbon is a raw material that, when put under tremendous pressure, yields dazzling diamonds or through sedimentation, produces the limestone we apply to fields to ameliorate soil pH. Along with the elements nitrogen and oxygen, life as we know it would not be possible for animals or plants without carbon.
However, the very carbon dioxide that is used by plants as a source of food, is today recognized and monitored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as one of several greenhouse gases (so called because they trap heat in the atmosphere) of concern to the environment. Other greenhouse gases monitored by the EPA include methane, nitrous oxide, and the fluorinated family of gases.
According to Texas Cooperative Extension publication 805-138 'Carbon Credits for Landowners', "international treaties such as the Kyoto Protocol have led some governments to develop carbon emission cap-and-trade protocols that may provide an economical mechanism for reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases". Thirty-nine industrialized countries signed the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which stated that these countries would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 percent by 2012. Although the United States did not sign the protocol, the US has joined international efforts to reduce greenhouse gases through voluntary initiatives by 18 percent by 2012.
Ways in which businesses might comply with emission allowances could include: reducing point emissions; using alternative energy sources with lower or no emissions; purchase offset credits from another entity that has reduced emissions below their allowance; or, purchase offset credits from carbon sequestration projects that sequester (fix) carbon from the atmosphere.
On September 28, 2007, the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center at Overton will be hosting the Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma Carbon Credit Conference. This conference is targeted to landowners and foresters who would like to gain a strong understanding of the carbon market, how it works, and if they might benefit from carbon credits.
The conference begins with registration at 8 AM and concludes around 4 PM. Cost for the event is $30 per person, which includes the noon meal and reference materials. The program will provide an overview of the carbon market and how it might benefit landowners, real world examples of carbon offset projects, introductions from aggregators (people who are signing up landowners for the carbon market), and the complexities of a managed forestry offset project.
Participants can view a complete agenda for the conference and register online at Reynolds Forestry or by contacting Barbara Ampong at the TAMU Overton Center at 903-834-6191. Foresters will receive 5 continuing education credits for attending.
A copy of 'Carbon Credits for Landowners' can be obtained from your local Extension office or by visiting the Smith County Extension website.
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