Harnessing the Power of Land Conservation to Tackle Climate Change

Last updated on September 30th, 2024

“Every acre conserved is more than just land; it’s a commitment to the future.” That’s the theme of a new report by the Land and People Lab at Trust for Public Land. The new report makes case that land conservation is a cost effective, high impact natural climate solution (NCS) that delivers multiple benefits at scale. The Power of Land Conservation to Address the Climate Crisis synthesizes the latest science around how conservation delivers quantifiable benefits across five distinct areas: carbon storage, water, air, biodiversity, and human health. It then lays out compelling case studies highlighting real-world conservation projects across the U.S that are delivering these benefits. And finally, it ends with a call to action: 

With a clear understanding that land conservation can help protect our climate—and our communities—now is the time to act. Through meaningful engagement with communities and advocacy for increased funding and innovative policies, the conservation community can play a central role in tackling the climate crisis while building healthier, more equitable, and more resilient communities nationwide.

“The report elevates land conservation to its rightful place as a critical climate solution and calls the entire conservation community to action. With new data and tools, we have what we need. The time to act is now.”

Abigail Weinberg, Senior Director of Conservation Science & Planning
at the Open Space Institute.

Quantifying the Impact: Conservation as a Climate Solution

When it comes to climate solutions, land conservation – a tradition in the U.S. that dates back to the 1800s and beyond – is often left out of the conversation. However conserved lands like forests, wetlands, and grasslands serve as vital carbon sinks. U.S. forests currently absorb nearly 13 percent of the nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. Across all natural landscapes, carbon storage and sequestration capacity is immense: Wetlands in the lower 48 states store over 11 billion metric tons (11 gigatons) of carbon—representing one of the highest carbon stocks as measured on a per-acre basis. Coastal ecosystems, such as tidal marshes and mangroves, can sequester carbon ten times faster than tropical rainforests; and grassland carbon is often touted as one of the most secure carbon vaults because the carbon is stored belowground where it is less vulnerable to wildfire and other natural disturbances. But these natural lands are under threat. 

According to Global Forest Watch, between 2001 and 2022, the U.S. lost 113 million acres of tree cover—a 17 percent decrease. Our wetlands are also disappearing or are being degraded, and research has shown that carbon stocks are often lower in wetlands that have seen major human disturbances. 

That’s why leading research by Susan Cook Patton et al. note that “counter to an emerging preference for restoration,” protecting carbon-rich landscapes should often be the top NCS priority based on “(1) the magnitude and (2) immediacy of mitigation potential, as well as (3) cost-effectiveness and (4) the co-benefits they offer.”

The Broader Impact: Air, Water, Health and Biodiversity

The benefits of land conservation extend beyond carbon sequestration. Conserved lands significantly improve air quality, with U.S. trees and forests removing 17.4 million tons of air pollution in 2010 alone—yielding health benefits valued at $6.8 billion. Additionally, around 83 million people in the U.S. rely on forested watersheds for clean drinking water. However, these water resources are increasingly threatened by urbanization and climate change.

Biodiversity is another critical area where land conservation has a measurable impact. A 2023 analysis by NatureServe, one of the leading biodiversity conservation nonprofits in North America, shows that 40 percent of animals, 34 percent of plants, and 40 percent of ecosystems nationwide are at risk. It further noted that land conversion is a major deter­minant of the numbers of U.S. species and ecosystems at risk, with grasslands and wetlands being most affected. Land conservation provides essential habitats; Time and again, rare and threatened species have begun to flourish when given space and protection afforded by conserved lands that protect important habitats and maintain ecosystem stability.

Case Studies: Real-World Success Stories

The report features several case studies that underscore the benefits of real-world land conservation projects. In Northern California, Trust for Public Land supported the Yurok Tribe in land back conservation efforts that are storing over 20,000 metric tons of carbon annually, equivalent to the emissions from burning over 8 million gallons of gasoline. Meanwhile, in Whitefish, Montana, the conservation of 3,000 acres of timberland not only protects the city’s previously threatened drinking water supply but also sequesters nearly 500 tons of carbon each year—equivalent to avoiding the burning of 1.2 billion pounds of coal. Additional case studies highlight biodiversity benefits from a conservation project in New Mexico and community and climate benefits of community forests in Northern New England. 

The Path Forward: Scaling Up Land Conservation

The urgency of the climate crisis demands a strategic approach to land conservation. The report calls for a renewed focus on protecting carbon-rich landscapes and involving local communities and Indigenous groups in these efforts. By utilizing tools such as online mapping to identify priority areas and designing conservation easements that enhance carbon sequestration, we can maximize the climate benefits of land conservation.

Land conservation is a powerful tool in our climate action toolkit. By protecting and restoring natural landscapes, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance community resilience and public health, and preserve biodiversity. The numbers speak for themselves: land conservation is not just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic imperative for tackling the climate crisis.

Explore More: For a deeper dive into the power of land conservation in addressing the climate crisis, read the full report by the Trust for Public Land here.

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