The impact of carbon sequestration policies on land use and the environment in Georgia

In recent decades interest in the effects greenhouse gases have on the environment has increased, but not until recently have governments and policy makers even discussed policies for their mitigation. Agriculture and forestry sectors have received attention for their ability to sequester large amounts of carbon. For this study, the effects on land use change in Georgia stimulated by the introduction of different carbon permit prices are estimated. The resulting environmental benefits are estimated by using research from the Conservation Reserve Program. The results provide insight on the impacts a carbon incentive would have on land use change. This analysis reveals that potential benefits of sequestration incentives are substantial. Considering the multiple benefits of carbon sequestration is essential to creating informed and effective policies.