Opportunities and Challenges for Offsetting Greenhouse Gas Emissions with Forests

A strong consensus is building on the need to slow the rate of climate change. Emissions must be reduced, and where emission reductions are not financially feasible, mechanisms need to be in place to allow investment in reductions in neighboring areas, neighboring countries, and across the Earth. Forests have a large potential role to play in this system, and the environmental, social, and economic benefits of investing in forests are high. However, challenges exist if we are to maximize the potential of forests to affect climate change.