Climate Change

Human-induced climate change is one of the most significant challenges ever faced by conservation. Climate change is likely to have a profound impact on the long-term survival of many species and critical habitats. Climate change has already resulted in shifts in species ranges and migration patterns. The acceleration of global warming is almost certain to further constrict and fragment the suitable habitat for thousands, if not millions, of species. WCS is working to anticipate how climate change may affect species and landscapes. and develop adaptation strategies to conserve wildlife. WCS uses this expertise to engage with policy makers and governments in the Climate Change Convention, the Convention on Biological Diversity and others who are developing adaptation strategies.

 Reducing Forest Loss to Combat Climate Change
Forest conservation, in addition to maintaining critical habitat for wildlife, is also critical to combat climate change. The primary driver of global warming is the increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. While burning of fossil fuels is the main culprit, tropical deforestation – that is, the clearing of old growth forests for timber, agriculture and other uses – contributes 20-25% to total global greenhouse gas emissions. Protecting the vast rainforests in the tropics and preventing the destruction of important habitats for wildlife is an important part of the solution to stabilizing greenhouse gas emissions. Preserving intact ecosystems such as forests, mangroves, grasslands and wetlands also has been shown to increase resilience to extreme weather events. WCS works with governments, industry and local communities to reduce forest loss for the benefit of climate, communities and wildlife. 

Although preventing forest loss was not included in the Kyoto Protocol as a permitted method of producing emissions credits, Kyoto’s parent treaty, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has begun a process to address the problem of emissions due to deforestation. The Conference of Parties to the Convention in December 2005 approved a decision to re-examine the issue on the basis of a proposal led by a group of developing countries called the Coalition of Rainforest Nations. 


WCS Activities


Climate,  Community and Biodiversity Alliance
WCS is a member of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCBA), a partnership of research institutions, corporations and environmental groups promoting the development of high-quality climate change mitigation projects that also support biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

The CCBA Standards are made available to project developers to design high-quality carbon mitigation projects that incorporate biodiversity conservation and community development.  The CCBA has also developed a scorecard that allows private-sector companies, multi-lateral funding organizations, and government agencies to screen and identify those projects which offer the most attractive and least-risk investments.  The Standards and scorecard can be downloaded online at www.climate-standards.org



Carbon Offset Market
Since intact forests play an important role in sequestering harmful CO2 emissions, they provide what can be viewed as a ecosystem service to the international community. The amount of CO2 that can be sequestered by a forest can be measured and verified and become a tradable commodity. These "carbon credits" can then be purchased by individuals and businesses to help offset the CO2 emissions they produce. Emerging carbon credit markets may become an important funding mechanism to help developing countries manage and protect forest areas. WCS is working with governments and communities at a number of sites to reduce forest loss while providing important benefits for biodiversity and for local communities.

Makira Forest, Madagascar

Makira Forest Project: triple benefits
Makira Forest Project is a global leader in the showing how Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VERs) for avoided deforestation can lead to direct benefits for conservation, for communities and for climate change mitigation. The Makira Forest Project has been evaluated independently and is on its way to receiving certification as a project which gives triple benefits of climate change mitigation, improved livelihoods for communities and biodiversity conservation. The carbon of Makira is currently valued at $US5 US per ton of CO2. There is an estimated 9.5 million tons of CO2 throughout the forest – this represents about 800 tons of CO2 per hectare of forest. So far, 40,000 tons of voluntary emissions reductions have been sold to a range of interested private sector companies, NGOs and rock bands. WCS is working with its partners in this project, the Ministry of Environment, Water ad Forests and Conservation International to promote the carbon offsets from Makira and put in place long term conservation activities. The forests of Makira are threatened by “slash and burn” agriculture, burning for grazing land, illegal logging and illegal wildlife hunting. Therefore, some of the activities supported by the funds generated from carbon offsets of avoided deforestation include:
        •Support to sustainable livelihood activities for communities 
        •Promotion and training for community management of natural resources
        •Creation of new protected area of Makira
        •Training in natural resource management for government staff and potential forest managers
        •Biological inventories and monitoring of changes over time
        •Program and communication and outreach
        •Environmental education