California Air Resources Board

Emissions from the deforestation and degradation of tropical forests accounts for an estimated 11-14% of all global CO2 emissions. Given the scale of GHG emissions from tropical deforestation, robust climate efforts must include mechanisms to reduce these emissions. CARB staff developed a California Tropical Forest Standard to provide a rigorous methodology for assessing jurisdiction-scale programs that reduce deforestation and to incentivize responsible action and investment. The Board endorsed the Standard at its September 19, 2019 Board hearing. Endorsement of the Standard does not result in any regulatory changes in California or any linkage with any jurisdiction, nor does it allow any tropical forest offset credits into the California Cap-and-Trade Program.
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