Carbon

Increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide cause climate change.

Increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide cause climate change. In the United States, several voluntary and regulatory markets have emerged which allow for purchases of carbon offsets. In many of these markets, agricultural conservation can be a source of offsets. These markets can help incentivize carbon sequestration and GHG mitigation in the agricultural sector while providing farmers compensation for environmental benefits. Below are links to resources, tools, and registries for carbon markets.

For more information about USDA’s climate change resources, visit the Climate Change Program Office webpage.

Resources

Managing Agricultural Land for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation within the United States
This report presents an analysis of the greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation potential associated with changes in U.S. agricultural management practices.

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Options and Costs for Agricultural Land and Animal Production within the United States
This report outlines the financial incentives that would be necessary for agriculture producers to start adopting specific mitigation practices and technologies as part of their normal production and land management operations.

USDA Climate Change Program Office

Environmental Markets at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service