Tackling the complexities of biosequestered carbon rights

As the world races to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis, the role of carbon markets remains deeply contested.

Yet the nuances of ‘carbon rights’ — which generally refers to the rights “to benefit from sequestered carbon and/or reduced greenhouse gas emissions” — remain underexamined.

This is particularly the case for rights to ‘biosequestered carbon’, which is carbon removed from the atmosphere and stored in vegetation, soils and the ocean.

This type of carbon requires especially careful consideration, as ill-conceived biosequestered carbon rights regimes and projects can distract from more effective climate solutions while undermining the rights and livelihoods of people who have a strong connection to the land in which that carbon is embedded.

This briefing discusses the complexities of biosequestered carbon rights and key issues for governments to consider when developing relevant policies and laws.