On May 10, 2022, the California Air Resources Board released its draft plan for achieving carbon neutrality in the State of California by at least 2045. This plan, the Draft 2022 Scoping Plan Update, presents different scenarios for achieving this necessary target, and proposes an economy-wide scenario that balances costs, benefits, and ambitious actions. In addition to assessing a range of actions in the energy, transportation, and building space, the draft plan includes detailed modeling to highlight the fact that we must address emissions in the forest and land sector at the same time as we continue to drive down fossil emissions.
Figure 1-5 of the Draft Plan depicts how California defines carbon neutrality:
The draft plan also specifically recognizes the importance of partnerships such as the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF Task Force). Specifically, the draft plan states:
“California also recognized the need to address the substantial emissions caused by the deforestation and degradation of tropical and other forests and continues its work alongside other subnational governments as part of the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force (GCF). Founded in 2008, there are currently 39 GCF members, including states and provinces in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, Spain, and the United States—all of whom are considering or operating programs to reduce emissions from deforestation, land-use, and rural development, and to benefit local and indigenous communities. CARB’s California Tropical Forest Standard provides a rigorous methodology to assess jurisdiction-scale programs that reduce deforestation and to incentivize responsible action and investment.75 The standard provides a strong signal to value the preservation of tropical forests over continued destructive activities such as oil exploration and extraction, and ensures rigorous social and environmental safeguards for indigenous peoples and local communities.” (Draft Plan at p. 20-21.)
GCF Task Force Project Director Jason Gray posted a more detailed update on this plan here.