California released a unique plan on Monday to use over half of the state's land to reduce carbon emissions.
In the next 20 years, the state will strive to achieve 81 nature-based goals to help reach California's goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.
These measures, aimed at enhancing the ability of lands to absorb more carbon than they release, are part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s broader California Climate Commitment. California Climate Commitment plan.
“We’re setting aggressive and ambitious new targets to use California’s lands to fight the climate crisis,” Newsom said. a statement.
A key goal announced on Monday is the management of 33.5 million acres to reduce wildfire risk, mainly through beneficial fire like prescribed or cultural burnings.
Another 11.9 million acres of forest will be managed for biodiversity protection, carbon storage, and water supply protection, while an additional 7.6 million acres will be conserved with other protections.
The targets also include managing 3.4 million acres of croplands to enhance healthy soils, drought resilience, and below-ground biodiversity, as well as planting 4.2 million trees to remove carbon and improve access to nature.
The plan also designates 2.7 million acres of shrublands and chaparral for carbon storage management, resilience, and habitat connectivity.
Another 1.6-million-acre area is expected to aid in restoring native grasslands and protecting biodiversity.
Lastly, the plan includes 1.5 million acres of sparsely vegetated lands like deserts and beaches to safeguard delicate ecosystems.
Newsom emphasized the enormity of California's plans and stressed that the targets will restore and conserve lands, as well as enhance urban areas and treat more acres to prevent wildfires.
“We’re protecting nature and allowing it to benefit our communities,” the governor added.
