Enrollment in forest carbon credit programs in the U.S.

Climate change is one of the world’s greatest challenges. A high concentration of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere is the main cause. Forests can play a crucial role in carbon sequestration by absorbing carbon dioxide and acting as natural carbon sinks through forest carbon programs. The effectiveness of its mitigation solution, driven by forest carbon programs depends significantly on various factors. In this study, forest carbon programs in the U.S. were reviewed. Secondly, this study used panel data from 2005 to 2022 to analyze how economic factors, politics, and climate change perception influence enrollment in forest carbon programs in the U.S. The results show that climate change perception and the political affiliation of state governors are critical factors influencing enrollment into forest carbon programs in the U.S. These findings suggest that policies aiming at promoting forest carbon offsets programs need to consider landowners' perceptions toward climate change and political factors to increase participation in forest carbon programs.