What is global warming?

Global warming is a distinct, measurable and long-term increase in the Earth's average temperature.

What is climate change?

Climate change is a change in the distribution of global weather patterns over a long time.

What are greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth's atmosphere that absorb heat and re-radiate that heat into the atmosphere.

What is a carbon credit?

A carbon credit is an independently certified unit representing greenhouse gas emissions that have been removed from or prevented from entering the atmosphere.

What is carbon trading?

Carbon trading is a market-based approach to managing pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation. REDD+ projects can generate carbon credits by protecting forests from deforestation and degradation.

AFOLU stands for Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. AFOLU projects include activities such as afforestation, reforestation, improved forest management and reduced emissions from deforestation and degradation.

What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy comes from naturally replenished resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat.

What is the difference between voluntary and compliance carbon markets?

Compliance carbon markets allow trading of carbon units to meet legal obligations, while voluntary carbon markets allow organisations and individuals to purchase carbon units voluntarily.

What is carbon neutrality?

Carbon neutrality generally refers to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero or balancing remaining emissions through measures such as purchasing carbon credits, subject to applicable definitions and requirements.

Carbon Projects

REDD+, IFM and ARR Explained: A Guide to AFOLU Carbon Projects

Forests and land use account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and also offer some of the most cost-effective ways to cut them. Carbon projects in this sector are grouped under AFOLU: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. If you are considering working with a REDD+ and AFOLU project development company, it helps to understand the main project types.

REDD+: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation

REDD+ projects protect forests that would otherwise be cleared or degraded. Credits are based on the difference between a baseline (what would have happened without the project) and actual emissions. The “+” refers to conservation, sustainable forest management and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.

REDD+ has faced scrutiny over inflated baselines in the past. In response, Verra introduced a consolidated REDD methodology (VM0048) that uses more standardised, jurisdiction-informed baselines. Modern REDD+ projects must be built on conservative, defensible data.

IFM: Improved Forest Management

IFM projects change how forests managed for timber are handled. Examples include converting a logging concession into a protected forest, or switching to reduced-impact logging. The carbon benefit comes from keeping more carbon stored in the trees.

ARR: Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation

ARR projects plant or regenerate trees on land that is currently degraded or cleared. Because they remove CO₂ from the atmosphere, ARR credits are “removal” credits, which are in high demand among companies with net zero targets.

Other AFOLU activities

Wetland and peatland restoration, including rewetting drained peat
Blue carbon, such as mangrove protection and restoration
Agricultural land management, like improved soil carbon and agroforestry

Key concepts in every AFOLU project

Additionality: Would the carbon benefit have happened anyway?
Permanence: Carbon stored must stay stored. Projects contribute to a buffer pool to cover reversal risk.
Leakage: Activities should not simply move deforestation elsewhere.
Monitoring: Satellite imagery and field plots track forest cover over time.

What a development company does

A REDD+ and AFOLU developer handles feasibility, carbon stock assessment, methodology selection, community engagement, documentation, validation, registration and ongoing monitoring. Asia Pacific Carbon specialises in IFM and REDD+ projects across the Asia-Pacific region. Explore our REDD+ and AFOLU services.