Expanding the Scope of International Terrestrial Carbon Options: Implications of REDD+ and Beyond

Programs for reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) in developing countries through climate policy enjoy wide support. Indeed, this support is affirmed by the Copenhagen Accord, which notes the importance of reducing emissions and enhancing carbon removals in forests. And while important implementation details have yet to be decided, the Copenhagen Accord also pledges to immediately establish a mechanism and mobilize financial support from developed and developing countries to undertake such actions in their forests. By nothing that this finance will support a REDD+ system, the Accord also seems to support the notion of expanding the scope of land-use accounting and policy incentives beyond just reducing deforestation and degradation.