Why Carbon Sequestration and How Can it Help Us Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Carbon isn’t bad. It naturally occurs in our soil, air, and water and contributes to healthier ecosystems that support plant and animal diversity. By keeping carbon stored in our soil and trees, we prevent it from escaping into the air, contributing to climate change. There are several ways we can “sequester” or store existing and new carbon in our world.
What Can You Do?
Support Local Farms and Ranches That Produce Products in a Sustainable Way
The Marin Carbon Project, comprised of the Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT), Marin Resource Conservation District (MRCD), UC Cooperative Extension, and the Carbon Cycle Institute is working with local farms to develop and advance climate-friendly practices like rotational grazing, stream restoration, and methane capture. By eating food from Marin farms, you are supporting practices that are actively sequestering carbon. Learn more about these farms and their practices and buying local food at Grown in Marin and at MALT.
Preserve Existing Green Spaces and Opt Outside!
Spend time in one of Marin’s state or local parks to experience how protected open space is actively sequestering carbon while providing recreational opportunities to Californians. Learn more at Marin County Parks and at the National Parks Service (Point Reyes National Seashore).
Create a Fire-Resistant and Drought Tolerant Yard
Instead of prioritizing yard aesthetics with plants and materials that tend to have a higher risk of fire, consider growing an ecologically diverse and fire-safe yard. To learn more, visit FireSafeMarin and the Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority. You may qualify for financial assistance to reduce fire risk to your home.
Honor Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Native Land Management Practices
Traditional native practices both help to sequester carbon and prevent wildfires. From no-till farming to forest management, Native Americans are the original stewards of the land. Learn more about these practices and first people’s culture.
What is the County Doing?
Marin Carbon Project
The Marin Carbon Project (MCP) is a consortium of leading agricultural institutions and producers in Marin County, university researchers, county and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations that seeks to understand and demonstrate the potential of enhanced carbon sequestration in Marin’s agricultural and rangeland ecosystems. MCP has helped draft 12 carbon farm plans covering 9,054 acres.
Marin Resource Conservation District
The Marin Resource Conservation District (RCD) works to preserve agricultural lands and advance carbon-smart farming practices. The RCD has administered over $20 million dollars in government and private foundation grants for watershed-wide erosion control, creek restoration, and road repair projects.
Marin Agricultural Land Trust (MALT)
Conserving agricultural land and advancing carbon-smart farming practices, MALT is an important partnership for both ranchers and the climate. MALT is a member-supported non-profit that permanently protects working farms in Marin County by purchasing agricultural conservation easements on farmlands that prohibit non-agricultural residential and commercial development, subdivisions, or other uses that do not promote sustainable agriculture.