Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has committed to purchasing 80,000 tons of carbon removals from the Western Rivers Conservancy’s (WRC) Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project. The project, managed by WRC and facilitated by climate solutions provider 3Degrees, aims to rejuvenate the Blue Creek watershed through sustainable forestry and carbon revenue. This initiative aligns with Microsoft’s ambition to achieve carbon negativity by 2030 and supports local tribal communities.
Similar projects have seen companies engaging in large-scale nature-based carbon removal agreements. For instance, Microsoft’s recent deals include a 3 million ton reforestation-based agreement with re.green and a 1 million ton improved forest management-based transaction with Anew Climate. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to diversify carbon removal solutions, including ocean-based and biochar-based projects, as well as direct air capture (DAC) agreements.
Project Details and Conservation Efforts
The WRC’s project in Northern California encompasses 47,097 acres, nearly 15,000 of which are conserved as a salmon sanctuary. The rest is managed as a tribal community forest allowing limited sustainable harvesting. The carbon project covers approximately 15,000 acres. Revenue from carbon credits has enabled the purchase and donation of ancestral lands back to the Yurok Tribe, while sustainable timber revenue is expected to provide long-term support.
Jennifer Cohn, Associate Director of Business Partnerships at 3Degrees, expressed enthusiasm about Microsoft’s involvement in the project.
“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.”
Microsoft’s Broader Carbon Removal Strategy
This agreement is a part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to build a diversified carbon removal portfolio. The tech giant has entered multiple large-scale agreements, focusing on nature-based solutions and advanced technologies. These endeavors are essential to their goal of becoming carbon negative by 2030, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and impactful climate action measures.
Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft, reiterated the importance of quality in their carbon removal initiatives.
“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 collaboration between Microsoft, WRC, and 3Degrees showcases a multi-faceted approach to carbon removal, highlighting the significance of integrating environmental sustainability with community support. Projects like these not only contribute to global climate goals but also ensure local ecosystems and cultures benefit from conservation efforts. Readers interested in environmental sustainability can look to such initiatives as examples of how corporate and community interests can align for mutual benefit.
