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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Daily 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 Native American Rights Fund, which protects tribal natural resources and environmental rights and promotes Native American Human Rights.
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Action Resources:

Drawdown Solution: #39 Indigenous Peoples' Land Management

Native American Rights Fund

Native Knowledge: What Ecologists Are Learning from Indigenous People

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

Native Knowledge: What Ecologists Are Learning from Indigenous People

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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One-Time 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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