When friends and family have questions about something “environmental,” they come to me. They know I have worked in the conservation and environmental field for 30+ years. Unfortunately, I don’t have all the answers. The challenges of working in this professional space are vast and the topical areas are many. In my 33 years in working to make our planet healthier, I have been fortunate to work on issues of land conservation, water quality protection, oyster reef restoration, and emerging markets for ecosystem services. Recently, working with Tee Clarkson of First Earth 2030, I have been more engaged in the carbon offset markets that are working to reduce carbon levels in our atmosphere.
As the impact of carbon emissions and the effect on climate change continue to dominate the headlines around the world, the question of what an individual or a business can do about it looms in the background.
Recently, new tools have popped up, allowing individuals and businesses to estimate how much carbon they emit on an annual basis. The Nature Conservancy’s calculator is one of the easiest to use. Once one determines emissions, he or she can choose to purchase carbon offsets.
Smaller carbon developers are marketing local projects where individuals can purchase carbon offsets and be comfortable that their investment in conservation is having an immediate impact.
One such local project developer is, First Earth 2030, who recently completed an urban carbon project in Virginia Beach. The Wilson Family Forest Preservation Project protects 24 acres of old-growth forest. This project not only captures carbon dioxide but also offers additional benefits like improved air quality and stormwater management.
To ensure carbon credits are legitimate and verifiable, projects undergo rigorous validation and verification processes by accredited bodies. For instance, the Wilson Family Forest project is registered with City Forest Credits, a recognized nonprofit that certifies urban forest carbon projects. They issue credits based on actual carbon sequestration data and provide detailed verification reports, ensuring that the credits represent real, measurable environmental benefits.
By purchasing these verified carbon credits, you can offset your carbon emissions and contribute to meaningful environmental preservation efforts. This not only helps mitigate climate change but also supports the conservation of vital ecosystems, as seen in projects like the Wilson Family Forest. With proper verification, you can trust that your investment in carbon credits leads to tangible positive impacts.
To purchase credits from the Wilson Family Forest Project, contact Tee Clarkson, tee@firstearth.eco. 804-687-1869
About the Author
Guest Blogger: Andy Lacatell
Andy is the owner is the Owner of Saltwater Consulting RVA, LLC. Established in 2023 after a 23 year career with The Nature Conservancy and 7 years on the faculty at Virginia Commonwealth University, Saltwater brings years of experience to regional and local conservation groups, helping them grow and increase their impact on the planet’s health. Andy has a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental Studies and Urban Planning from VCU and a Master of Public Health from the Medical College of Virginia. Andy lives in Westover Hills with his wife. They do their best to keep track of their adult children who are always on the move.
Guest Blogger: Tee Clarkson
Tee is a passionate outdoorsman and conservationist, a Co-founder and a Principal of FE|2030, the Executive Director of Broad Water Innovations, and the Managing Director of Atoka Conservation Exchange. He is also the owner of Virginia Outside, a company that has introduced thousands of children to the wonders of Virginia’s wild places. Tee has helped protect thousands of acres in Virginia and neighboring states using tools such as conservation easements, stream, wetland and nutrient mitigation programs as well as carbon offset programs.