3Degrees and Microsoft Partner to Drive Carbon

In an ambitious move to tackle climate change, 3Degrees, a global climate solutions provider and certified B Corporation, has announced a significant carbon removal transaction with Microsoft. This partnership involves the purchase of over 80,000 metric tons of carbon removals from the Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project, managed by Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) in Northern California. This initiative supports Microsoft's near-term climate targets and underscores its commitment to high-integrity carbon removal projects.

The Role of Western Rivers Conservancy

Western Rivers Conservancy is instrumental in this endeavor, managing the project that enhances forest carbon stocks in North America. The project not only focuses on carbon sequestration but also provides crucial funding for the creation of the Blue Creek Forest and Salmon Sanctuary. This sanctuary is part of a broader effort to conserve 47,000 acres of temperate rainforest by repatriating the land to the Yurok Tribe.

Jennifer Cohn, Associate Director of Business Partnerships at 3Degrees, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, "Microsoft's investment in the Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project highlights its commitment to impactful carbon removals and emphasizes the critical role these projects play in enhancing global climate efforts."

Impact on Local Ecosystems

Today, nearly 15,000 acres are being conserved as a Salmon Sanctuary, aimed at protecting the entire lower half of the Blue Creek watershed. This conservation effort ensures that this cold-water lifeline to the Klamath River remains healthy for salmon, steelhead, and the Klamath system. Additionally, the project provides habitat for rare, imperiled animals such as the marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, California condor, and Humboldt marten.

Protecting the Klamath River Watershed

The Klamath River is a crucial ecosystem for many species. By creating a sanctuary in the lower half of the Blue Creek watershed, the project ensures the long-term health and sustainability of this vital water source. Salmon and steelhead populations, which rely on cold, clean water, will benefit immensely from this conservation effort. The initiative also supports the broader Klamath system, which includes a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial life.

Habitat for Rare Species

The Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project also focuses on protecting rare and imperiled species. The marbled murrelet, northern spotted owl, California condor, and Humboldt marten are just a few of the species that will benefit from the habitat conservation efforts. By maintaining and enhancing their habitats, the project contributes to the biodiversity and ecological health of the region.

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Microsoft's Commitment to Sustainability

Microsoft's involvement in this project sets a benchmark for corporate responsibility. By supporting the Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project, Microsoft demonstrates strategic foresight in addressing global environmental challenges. Brian Marrs, Senior Director of Energy and Carbon Removal at Microsoft, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, saying, "We are pleased that 3Degrees is providing carbon removals that meet our quality criteria. Microsoft's purchase of carbon removal credits from this project supports our near-term climate goals via a diversified portfolio of carbon removal."

Aligning with Climate Goals

Microsoft has set ambitious climate goals, aiming to become carbon negative by 2030. The purchase of carbon removal credits from projects like the Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project is a key component of their strategy. By investing in high-integrity carbon removal projects, Microsoft not only offsets its emissions but also supports innovative solutions that can have a lasting impact on the environment.

Setting a Corporate Example

Microsoft's partnership with 3Degrees and WRC sets an example for other corporations. By prioritizing sustainability and investing in carbon removal projects, Microsoft showcases how businesses can play a critical role in addressing climate change. This commitment to environmental stewardship can inspire other companies to take similar actions, contributing to a broader global effort to combat climate change.

The Broader Vision of 3Degrees

3Degrees has been a leader in climate solutions for nearly 20 years, driven by the urgent need for climate action. The company offers a full suite of clean energy and decarbonization solutions to help global Fortune 500 companies, utilities, and other organizations achieve their climate goals. The 3Degrees team is known for its commitment to integrity and deep expertise in climate strategy and implementation across scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including net zero initiatives, global environmental commodities, renewable energy and carbon project development, and transportation decarbonization.

Comprehensive Climate Solutions

3Degrees provides a wide range of services to support its clients in their sustainability journeys. From renewable energy sourcing to carbon offset projects, the company helps organizations reduce their carbon footprints and meet their climate goals. Their expertise in climate strategy and implementation ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that are both effective and sustainable.

Commitment to Integrity

One of the hallmarks of 3Degrees is its commitment to integrity. The company prioritizes high-quality projects and ensures that all carbon removal and offset initiatives meet rigorous standards. This dedication to quality and transparency builds trust with clients and partners, ensuring that their investments in sustainability yield meaningful results.

Benefits to the Yurok Tribe

The revenue generated from the sale of carbon credits has been pivotal in enabling WRC to purchase the Yurok's ancestral lands and donate them back to the Tribe. This effort not only restores the land to its rightful stewards but also empowers the Yurok Tribe to manage and protect their environment sustainably.

Repatriating Ancestral Lands

The purchase and donation of the Yurok Tribe's ancestral lands is a significant step towards repatriation and cultural restoration. By returning these lands to the Tribe, the project honors their historical connection to the land and provides opportunities for sustainable land management practices rooted in traditional knowledge.

Supporting Sustainable Management

With the land back under their stewardship, the Yurok Tribe can implement sustainable management practices that align with their cultural values and environmental priorities. This approach not only benefits the local ecosystem but also strengthens the Tribe's ability to maintain their way of life and protect their heritage.

Moving Forward

The collaboration between 3Degrees, Microsoft, and Western Rivers Conservancy is a powerful example of how corporate partnerships can drive significant environmental benefits. By investing in carbon removal projects like the Blue Creek Improved Forest Management Project, these organizations are making meaningful strides towards combating climate change and preserving critical ecosystems.

For more information about these initiatives and the companies involved, visit 3Degrees, Microsoft, and Western Rivers Conservancy.

About 3Degrees

3Degrees is dedicated to developing and deploying impactful climate solutions that make good business sense and advance an equitable transition to a low-carbon future. With a focus on urgent climate action, 3Degrees has become a trusted partner for global Fortune 500 companies, utilities, and other organizations in their efforts to address emissions and achieve climate goals. Their expertise spans across net zero strategies, global environmental commodities, renewable energy and carbon project development, and more.

For further details, visit 3Degrees.

3Degrees and Microsoft Partner to Drive Carbon Removal in Northern California