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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Drawdown Solution: #35 Bamboo

Bamboo Products as a Replacement for Plastic Products in our Lives
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Our challenge levels are determined by four factors involved in completing the action - time, cost, knowledge, and skills. While these factors may vary by participant, the challenge level can help you choose which actions fit best with your lifestyle and goals.
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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Drawdown Solution: #38 Forest Protection

The Best Technology for Fighting Climate Change Isn't a Technology
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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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Drawdown Solution: #38 Forest Protection

Find Forest Stewardship Council Certified Products
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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

Solutions U Teaching Collection: Tropical Forests
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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

Rainforest Alliance Certified Products
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Daily Challenge

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Learn about Temperate Forests

#12 Tropical 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

Forest Ecosystem Services

Introduction to Ecosystem Services
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Restore Wetlands

#52 Coastal Wetlands

I will volunteer (___) hours with a wetland restoration project in my region.
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Drawdown Solution: #52 Coastal Wetlands

Principles of Wetland Restoration

Coastal Wetlands: Too Valuable to Lose
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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
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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 Conservatory's Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities Program
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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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Drawdown Solution: #39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management
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Our challenge levels are determined by four factors involved in completing the action - time, cost, knowledge, and skills. While these factors may vary by participant, the challenge level can help you choose which actions fit best with your lifestyle and goals.
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

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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
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