Microsoft has announced the purchase of 80,000 tons of carbon removals from the Northern California-based Western Rivers Conservancy’s Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project. The transaction, facilitated by climate solutions provider 3Degrees, is part of Microsoft’s broader initiative to become carbon negative by 2030.
The Blue Creek project, managed by Oregon-based non-profit Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC), generates both carbon and sustainable timber revenue while rejuvenating old-growth habitat and improving the health of the Blue Creek watershed. WRC has acquired 47,097 acres along Blue Creek, conserving nearly 15,000 acres as a salmon sanctuary protected from harvesting, with the remaining area managed as a tribal community forest with limited sustainable harvesting. The carbon project encompasses nearly 15,000 acres of this land.
According to 3Degrees, the revenue from the sale of carbon credits has enabled WRC to purchase the Yurok Tribe’s ancestral lands and donate them back to the Tribe. Additionally, sustainable timber revenue from the project is expected to provide long-term support to the Yurok Tribe.
Jennifer Cohn, Associate Director of Business Partnerships at 3Degrees, commented, “We are thrilled that Microsoft has chosen to support this project as it not only protects vital habitats but also supports the local community through sustainable land management.”
This agreement is the latest in a series of carbon removal deals for Microsoft, reflecting the tech giant’s commitment to climate action. Earlier this year, Microsoft entered into a 3 million ton reforestation-based agreement with climate solutions provider re.green, and a 1 million ton improved forest management transaction with Anew Climate. Microsoft’s carbon removal portfolio includes various solutions and technologies such as ocean-based carbon removal, biochar-based projects, and direct air capture (DAC) agreements.
Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft, stated, “We are pleased that 3Degrees is providing carbon removals that meet our quality criteria. Microsoft’s purchase of carbon removal credits from this project supports our near-term climate goals via a diversified portfolio of carbon removal.”
The Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project represents a significant step in Microsoft’s strategy to mitigate its carbon footprint and contribute to global environmental sustainability efforts.
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