Mitigating climate change and greater energy security have created a larger focus on forests in the United States. Forests have the ability to absorb and store large amounts of atmospheric carbon, known as carbon sequestration. Since carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas released by humans, forest are vital in our battle to alleviate global warming.

Below you will find information about the Pinchot Institute's Climate and Energy programs.

Bioenergy: Ensuring Forest Sustainability in the Development of Wood Bioenergy As the nation faces significant energy and climate change challenges, bioenergy from the nation's forests is playing a very important role. The Pinchot Institute is considering that role through a national dialogue, a policy white paper and numerous forums/workshops. More>>

Carbon in Forests In the U.S., forests sequester almost 14% of our annual CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, the loss of forests around the world contribute to 20% of global CO2 emissions, far more than the contribution of automobiles. The Pinchot Institute is working with partners to help test and prove the best techniques for landowners to sequester carbon, to inform how they should be rewarded through future carbon credit markets and incentive programs. The Role of Forests in Sequestering Carbon National Forests Climate Change Workshop

Bay Bank The future health of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed significantly depends on the actions of private landowners. In an effort to accelerate the restoration of the Bay, provide clean air, water and habitat, the Pinchot Institute is developing the Bay Bank to serve as the Chesapeake's conservation marketplace by coordinating market-based conservation on private lands. More>>