Date of Award
5-2018
Degree Type
Capstone
Degree Name
Dual Degree Master of Business Administration/Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy (MBA/ESP)
Department
International Development, Community and Environment
Chief Instructor
Elisabeth Gilmore
Second Reader
Dominik Kulakowski
Third Reader
Will O'Brien
Keywords
Carbon Offsets, Forest Management, Ecological Sustainability, California, Forestry, Climate Change Mitigation
Abstract
Forest Carbon offsets are being used as a climate change mitigation strategy in multiple programs around the world. But, are programs setup in a way that are ecologically sustainable? This paper reviews concepts pertinent to ecologically sustainable forest management and then examines if Improved Forest Management Carbon offset policies and projects within the California emissions trading scheme are setup in an ecologically sustainable manner. After a review of the Improved Forest Management Protocol and 31 project documents, it is apparent that policies and projects promote aspects of ecologically sustainable management. However, there is room for improvement when managing for natural disturbance regimes and promoting connectivity of landscape. This review can be used to assist in the development of ecologically sustainable forest Carbon offset programs in the future.
Recommended Citation
Hertog, Cory, "Ecological Sustainability within California's Improved Forest Management Carbon Offsets Program" (2018). Sustainability and Social Justice. 195.
https://commons.clarku.edu/idce_masters_papers/195
Included in
Environmental Policy Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Physical and Environmental Geography Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons