Land management is a multi-faceted but rewarding calling. It's also a changing one, as people become more conscious of environmental needs and long-term sustainability. Forests are at the center of increased ecological health, as they regulate ecosystems and promote biodiversity. They also absorb one-third of the carbon monoxide (CO2) released by burning fossil fuels every year. Now, in the modern era, forest owners are selling carbon credits to minimize global warming and create a new income source. 

What Is a Carbon Credit?

The role of the carbon marketplace is to diminish the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It's a voluntary system where properly certified forest owners sell carbon credits. Companies that produce harmful emissions purchase these credits, allowing them to continue polluting, but at a periodically reduced rate and for a limited amount of time. 

How Do Carbon Credits Work?

Polluting companies are incentivized to use carbon credits. A single credit permits the release of an equivalent of one metric ton of carbon dioxide. Each credit is considered highly valuable, as more companies are seeing the economic possibilities in going green. 

Carbon credits provide ancillary benefits, as well. A polluting company can use these credits to reduce its negative environmental impact while improving its public image and reputation. 

The credits also have value on the secondary market. When companies reduce their pollution levels, they sometimes have an excess of credits. They can sell the spares to other companies at a profit, which, in turn, can help more businesses lower their harmful emissions. 

If a company exceeds its agreed-upon emission limits, it would have to buy more credits at the market rate to prevent hefty fines. The measures incentivize businesses to regulate their pollution while also providing carbon credit sellers an opportunity to make more money.

How Do Forest Managers Benefit From Carbon Credits?

Carbon sequestration is a key figure in battling global warming. It's the process of collecting, storing, and removing atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is a leading greenhouse gas. Since more companies are adopting the carbon credit system, the damage done by climate change will be repaired. 

Forests sequester 7.6 billion metric tonnes of carbon a year, making them a valuable resource. Property owners and land management companies can use forests to create and sell credits. They can also increase their carbon sequestration levels and the number of sellable credits by planting perennial vegetation. The higher the sequestration, the more money owners can make. 

Land management companies can increase their carbon sequestration levels with the services of Neeley Forestry Service. Their experienced forest technicians help owners throughout Camden, AR, find, purchase, and maintain beautiful forests and wildlife. For nearly 50 years, they've also provided brokerage and appraisal services to ensure each property grows in health and value. Owners can benefit from their certification assistance, allowing them to produce sustainable wood and create a new income source. For more information on their services, visit their website or call them at (870) 836-5981.