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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Challenge Nonprofit Partner

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

SolutionsU news on the benefits of bamboo
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EcoLearner

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

SolutionsU news on innovations in protecting forests
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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.
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

SolutionsU news on innovations in protecting forests
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EcoPro

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.
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

SolutionsU news on protecting tropical forests
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EcoLearner

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.
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

SolutionsU news on protecting tropical forests
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Daily Challenge

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EcoPro

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.
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

Forest Ecosystem Services

Introduction to Ecosystem Services

SolutionsU news on Maine’s woodlands and climate change
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EcoLearner

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.
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

SolutionsU news on value of coastal wetlands
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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.
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 news on carbon farming
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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.
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

SolutionsU news on indigenous land management and climate change
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EcoLeader

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.
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 news on First Nations clean power movement
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EcoLeader

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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EcoPro

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.
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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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.

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