Nature-based solutions
Recent studies suggest that carbon sequestration on natural and working lands could significantly contribute to needed emissions reductions. Nature-based solutions, such as restoring or preventing the destruction of carbon-rich natural habitats and improving the way we manage land, are some of the most cost-effective approaches to carbon dioxide removal. Forests, prairies, farmland and other natural habitats absorb approximately 15% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions. That’s a huge benefit, but one that we stand to lose if we keep converting open land for development.
Land conservation also provides economic and environmental savings and numerous other co-benefits to local communities including access to clean air and water, healthy soils and wildlife habitat.
Our goal is to promote policies and funding that reduce or prevent emissions and lessen the impacts of storms and floods to communities while supporting the protection, restoration and stewardship of open and working lands that increase community resilience.
Protecting land and water in the new energy economy
Data centers and other infrastructure are necessary for the continued growth of the modern American economy and provide essential technological services and national security needs, however, this infrastructure must not sacrifice high-value conservation and working lands.
Energy infrastructure siting
Increasing pressure to locate energy infrastructure — including renewable energy — on conserved lands is putting our community’s land conservation work in jeopardy. The Alliance is coordinating with our members to educate decisionmakers on the importance of energy infrastructure location as guided by regional perspectives and without undermining the essential conservation values the land trust community works hard to protect. To learn more about conservation and energy infrastructure siting, read our publication “Reshaping the Energy Future.”
Join the Energy and Climate Working Group
The Alliance’s energy and climate working group meets monthly to discuss current issues in energy and climate policy as they relate to the land trust community. This group is open to all Alliance members as a space to share ideas, network and learn from guest speakers. To join, please email Zachary Sheldon, our energy and climate policy advisor, at zsheldon@lta.org.
