CORVALLIS, Ore. – According to Oregon State University, a new study reveals that 10% of forest-based carbon credit projects might inadvertently warm the climate due to changes in albedo, which affects sunlight reflection.
Researchers from the Oregon State University College of Forestry, along with Clark University and The Nature Conservancy, analyzed 172 global projects. They found that while most projects have minimal albedo impacts, 10% could increase warming.
“Carbon credits are created via established protocols that aim to ensure each credit corresponds to an actual climate benefit,” said Lynn Riley of the American Forest Foundation. However, these protocols often overlook non-greenhouse gas factors like albedo.
The study suggests incorporating albedo accounting into carbon credit protocols to enhance climate impact accuracy. “What’s really exciting is that we have independent, accessible data with global coverage to start preventing this today,” Riley said.
The research, published in Nature Communications, aims to improve the effectiveness of carbon market projects in mitigating climate change.
