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Terrestrial carbon sequestration is the capture and storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent greenhouse gas, in plants and soils. A wide array of land management practices known to conserve soils, water quality, and biodiversity can also protect and enhance terrestrial carbon storage. Determining optimal strategies for increasing carbon sequestration in Minnesota’s landscapes could promote environmental sustainability, rural economic opportunities, and help meet the state’s greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Project Summary

The Minnesota Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration Initiative develops and disseminates pertinent information about biological carbon sequestration in ecosystems in Minnesota. It provides a forum for academic, government, and general audiences on a range of ecological, economic, and institutional issues. The goal of the Initiative is to identify, test, and build support for carbon management strategies that benefit rural economies, regional environments, and the climate.

Initiative approaches:

  • Assemble and report scientific information on carbon sequestration in forests, agricultural lands, and conservation areas;
  • Estimate costs and benefits of carbon-enhancing land uses and management practices;
  • Identify public policy options for increasing carbon sequestration in the state; and
  • Engage diverse sector groups in identifying and implementing optimal carbon sequestration strategies for Minnesota.

Current Projects

Report to Minnesota Legislature on Carbon Sequestration Capacities in Minnesota

Anderson, Jim et al. 2008. The Potential for Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration in Minnesota. A Report to the Department of Natural Resources from the Minnesota Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration Initiative. St. Paul: University of Minnesota.

A first report to the Minnesota Legislature on the potential capacity for carbon sequestration in the state’s terrestrial ecosystems was submitted on February 1, 2008. The report presents research findings and scenarios of land use changes that could sequester between 3 - 6 million metric tons of CO2 by 2025, representing of 6 – 12% of mandated emission reduction targets for that year. In order to achieve this benefit, the report makes three recommendations:

  • Preserve large existing carbon stocks in peatlands and forests by identifying and protecting peatlands and forests vulnerable to conversion, fire, and other preventable threats. Conversion or degradation of these lands may lead to large emissions, thereby increasing atmospheric CO2 levels and requiring greater reductions elsewhere.
  • Promote land use and land cover changes that are most certain to cause carbon sequestration by including them in local, regional, and statewide conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development priorities.
  • Invest in monitoring and demonstration programs in order to build public, practitioner and investor confidence in terrestrial carbon sequestration as a viable emission reduction strategy.

Financing Terrestrial Carbon Sequestration

A four-part investigation of alternative funding mechanisms to support terrestrial carbon sequestration in Minnesota. In 2008, a preliminary analysis of private, non-profit, and government funding options will be conducted. The study includes:

  • A survey of Minnesota institutions about greenhouse gas reduction or carbon-neutrality programs or plans;
  • An economic analysis of selected forestry and agricultural practices;
  • A review of existing carbon reduction funding approaches; and
  • A set of conversations with representative groups in Minnesota about the attractiveness and advisability of different funding strategies.

To learn more or participate in the survey, please contact:

Gao Pronove, Survey Task Leader
gao.pronove@ghginstitute.org

Cheryl Miller, Initiative Coordinator
camiller@umn.edu

Funding Support