Modern farming methods churn up soil and release carbon into the air, where it contributes to climate change.  Ultra-modern methods conserve topsoil and increase production, trapping small amounts of carbon in the earth and plants.  The Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project aims to leverage that little bit of carbon to spark an agriculture revolution.

Mexico’s Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve links more than 260 small-scale farmers in a project that helps them earn carbon income for planting trees.  It’s the kind of project that addresses the needs of poor people around the world, and last month it was validated under two leading standards.  But can that success be replicated?

Scores of carbon offset projects are already reducing greenhouse gas emissions by saving rainforests and locking carbon in trees, but their efforts won’t earn UN credits if they don’t conform to emerging standards that keep track of each country’s forests on a national scale.  Here’s what all project developers need to know about “nesting”.

Despite years of buzz, the creation of verified carbon credits from projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) has been underwhelming. Last week, the first credits under a new REDD methodology were issued, and many observers are now waiting for the floodgates to burst open.  Here's a look at the first credited REDD project under the Voluntary Carbon Standard, and what it means for the future of carbon finance -- both compliance and voluntary.*