Bringing Nature into Cities Is Good for You and the Planet
Cool examples of the practical benefits of maintaining--or reintroducing--natural elements and environments into our urban landscapes.
Northwest Biocarbon Initiative
This Climate Solutions program is no longer active.
The Northwest Biocarbon Initiative elevates the essential role that natural systems play in reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. By galvanizing the region’s emerging biocarbon community to develop strategies that increase natural carbon capture and build a vibrant restoration economy, we are positioning the Northwest as the nation’s leading incubator for biocarbon solutions.
Biocarbon Solutions
Why forests need to be enlisted in climate change actions
Since forests absorb and store vast amounts of carbon, protecting forests, especially old growth forests like those in the Pacific Northwest, should be a key component of any plan to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Supporting human and forest health
The health of forests and their owners are directly connected, an insight that has generated an innovative Oregon program to increase forest carbon.
Restoring nature can help restore local economies
Good-paying jobs that produce multiple products in rural communities where good jobs have been scarce – This is the restoration economy. In Oregon the restoration economy created 6,483 jobs, generated $977.5 million in economic activity from 2001–2010, a new report from Ecotrust says.
Do frightened grasshoppers increase carbon storage in grasslands?
Do frightened grasshoppers increase carbon storage in grasslands? It appears the answer is yes, according to Yale Forestry School research. But the reason for this phenomenon might not be what you think.
British farmland missing huge natural benefits potential
Farm support programs that target only food production miss huge opportunities to generate natural benefits, a new British study documents.
The growing buzz around the biocarbon benefits of farmland
The message is spreading that changing the way agriculture is done can draw heat-trapping carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere into farm soils to improve the viability of agriculture overall.
Capturing carbon, saving money, enhancing regional communities
On August 1, the City of Portland graciously hosted the Northwest Biocarbon Initiative (NBI) along with our partners at Ecotrust and the
Busy beavers building natural carbon storage
Outside of humans, beavers have more impact on landscapes than virtually any other species. Now a new study reveals those hardworking animals not only build dams but biocarbon storage as well.
Biocarbon Summit a silo-busting event
A capacity crowd of 160 thought leaders and innovators gathered on June 10, 2013 at the University of Washington's Center for Urban Horticulture in Seattle for the first-ever Northwest Biocarbon Summit.
Fast-talking innovators show the way to our biocarbon future
One of the special highlights at the Northwest Biocarbon Summit–for me and many others–was a remarkable series of “Speed Talks” by real-world Northwest practitioners who brought to life the full portfolio of biocarbon solutions.
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Upcoming Events
Climate Solutions Portland Reception - 12/5/2024
