Land Use

Land use can degrade or renew ecosystems -- and put greenhouse gases into or take them out of our atmosphere

The Land Use Sector includes the protection and restoration of high-carbon ecosystems such as forests and wetlands, as well as the production of perennial timber and biomass crops. Deforestation and degradation of forest ecosystems are responsible for about 1/8 of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions today (IPCC, 2014). Project Drawdown's research includes solutions for reducing emissions, sequestering carbon, and providing critical ecosystem services and feedstocks.

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Buy Bamboo

#35 Bamboo

When they are available, I will purchase products made from bamboo instead of wood, plastic, or metal.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #35 Bamboo

Bamboo Products as a Replacement for Plastic Products in our Lives
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One-Time Challenge
Advocate for Forest Protection

#38 Forest Protection

I will contact (___) congress people or representatives to advocate for public policy that protects forests and the enforcement of existing anti-logging laws.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #38 Forest Protection

The Best Technology for Fighting Climate Change Isn't a Technology

SolutionsU Collection: Forest Protection

GovTrack: Find your U.S. Congressperson
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One-Time Challenge
Choose Better Wood Products

#38 Forest Protection

I will only purchase wood and paper products from ecologically certified sources like Forest Stewardship Council.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #38 Forest Protection

Find Forest Stewardship Council Certified Products

The Best Technology for Fighting Climate Change Isn't a Technology

SolutionsU Collection: Forest Protection
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One-Time Challenge
Forest-Friendly Foods 1

#5 Tropical Forests

I will spend at least (___) minutes researching the impact of my diet to see how it contributes to deforestation.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #5 Tropical Forests

4 Foods That Are Eating the World’s Forests And How to Choose Better

Find Rainforest Alliance Certified products

SolutionsU Collection: Restoring Tropical Forests
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One-Time Challenge
Forest-Friendly Foods 2

#5 Tropical Forests

I will replace or remove the palm oil, coffee, and cocoa products in my current diet that are known to contribute to deforestation.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #5 Tropical Forests

4 Foods That Are Eating the World’s Forests And How to Choose Better

Find Rainforest Alliance Certified products

SolutionsU Collection: Restoring Tropical Forests
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Daily Challenge
Learn about Temperate Forests

#12 Temperate Forests

I will spend at least (___) minutes learning more about the environmental services provided by and the environmental issues affecting temperate forests.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #12 Temperate Forests

The Environmental Literacy Council: Forest Ecosystem Services

Forest Europe: Introduction to Ecosystem Services
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One-Time Challenge
Restore Wetlands

#52 Coastal Wetlands

I will volunteer (___) hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #52 Coastal Wetlands

Principles of Wetland Restoration

Coastal Wetlands: Too Valuable to Lose

Volunteer Match
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One-Time Challenge
Local Perennial Biomass

#51 Perennial Biomass

I will spend at least (___) minutes finding out if anyone is working on perennial biomass projects in my region and how I can get involved.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #51 Perennial Biomass

Woody Perennial Biomass

SolutionsU Collection: Biomass

Volunteer Match
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One-Time Challenge
Support Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

#39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

I will donate to The Nature Conservancy, which works with Indigenous Peoples to secure land tenure and resource rights, support improved governance and local institutions, assist in natural resource mapping, planning and management; and strengthen livelihoods and sustainable economic development.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

The Nature Conservancy's partnership with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

SolutionsU Collection: Indigenous People's Land Management
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One-Time Challenge
Learn about Local Indigenous Practices

#39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

I will spend at least (___) minutes learning how local indigenous tribes are caring for the land by attending a training, workshop, or presentation.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

SolutionsU Collection: Indigenous People's Land Management
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One-Time Challenge
Research Peatlands

#13 Peatlands

I will spend (___) minutes researching the environmental benefits of peatlands and what is being done around the world to conserve and restore them.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution Page: #13 Peatlands

Peatlands and Climate Change

Ultimate Bogs: How Saving Peatlands Could Help Save the Planet
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Daily Challenge
Plant Trees

#15 Afforestation

I will plant (___) tree(s) in my community, public parks, or backyard.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution Page: #15 Afforestation

TED Talk: Shubhendu Sharma on How to Grow a Forest in your Backyard

SolutionsU news on expanding urban forests
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One-Time Challenge
Create a Custom Action

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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