Why are dates, such as 1999, often used as cutoffs for carbon offset credits?
To determine any success in GHG reduction, a base level of atmospheric CO2 was established during the period 1998 – 2000. Therefore, carbon sequestering practices eligible for the offset program must have been established after 1999 to be able to effectively measure their impact on GHG reduction. Source: Illinois Conservation Climate Initiative Q: Why doesn’t land that has been in conservation tillage for a decade or more, and has more carbon stored, earn more than land just enrolled in conservation tillage and has less carbon stockpiled. A: Current research hasn’t discovered a way to account fairly for the long-stored carbon. Values are based on research, and the organic content of soils can reach a saturation point, which varies by soil type.
