TerraCarbon

Why TerraCarbon?

Forestry and Carbon Markets — TerraCarbon’s Role

Carbon markets are being established worldwide to harness the power of markets to reduce greenhouse gases and solve the problem of climate change. At TerraCarbon, we use our unique blend of technical, regulatory and financial expertise to help clients design, finance, and implement forestry and land use projects.

TerraCarbon was formed in November 2006 by Scott Settelmyer, former CFO of the Chicago Climate Exchange, and Dr. Bernhard Schlamadinger, world-renowned forestry carbon and bio-energy expert.  Scott and Bernhard recognized the tremendous potential of the forestry and land use sector to reduce greenhouse gases, and also the need for specialized technical, regulatory, and financial advice if the carbon market was to tap into this potential.

Since our founding, we have advised clients around the world, working on projects ranging from reforestation to reducing emissions from deforestation to peatland restoration. Our clients include forestry companies, forestry project developers, carbon funds, international multi-lateral agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Climate Change and Forests

Photosynthesis is nature’s proven “technology” for removing carbon dioxide (CO2) from our atmosphere and storing it in trees, vegetation, and soils. Forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change—absorbing CO2 as they grow, but also releasing CO2 emissions as they are destroyed. Emissions from deforestation account for over 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions—more than the combined emissions from every plane, train, and automobile in the world.

Reversing the impact of these emissions by protecting and restoring forests around the world is crucial to fighting climate change—and it’s cost-effective. It has been estimated that forestry activities have the potential to generate 8 billion tons of emission reductions per year by 2030 at a cost of less than $50/ton. Forests also help communities and the environment by improving biodiversity and soil and water quality.