Land Use, Forestry, and Agriculture
Forest, agricultural, and other land uses are both a source of emissions and a way to remove carbon from the atmosphere. RFF scholars are identifying and measuring land management solutions that can sustain people, ecosystems, and the climate, through effective incentives, investments, and protections.
Highlights
Topics
Agriculture
Examining the impacts of agricultural land use
Carbon and Land Use Model (CALM)
The Carbon and Land Use Model (CALM) links an econometric discrete choice model of land use conversions with a carbon storage model that predicts carbon dynamics due to land use change.
Carbon Sinks
Examining the balance between forest coverage and biomass production
Forest Products
Analyzing the range of policies that govern timber product markets
Public and Private Lands
Examining the way natural, rural, and urban land is used and managed
Wildfires
Analyzing how communities, land managers, and policymakers can mitigate wildfire disasters
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
Working Paper — Dec 12, 2024
From Catastrophe to Caution: The Effect of Wildfires on Community Hazard Mitigation Investments
In this working paper, the authors examine the impact of wildfires on community-level hazard mitigation efforts, specifically focusing on participation in the Firewise USA program.
Media Highlight — Dec 5, 2024
E&E News: “Report Finds Southeast Forest Fire Risks Could Top Western Threats”
This article details the findings of a new paper coauthored by RFF Senior Fellow Dave Wear; as climate change worsens and populations grow, the Southeast is increasingly at risk of wildfire damage.
Journal Article — Dec 4, 2024
Land-Use Change, No-Net-Loss Policies, and Effects on Carbon Dioxide Removals
A peer-reviewed paper shows that because mature forests store substantially more carbon than young forests, avoiding losses of existing forests provides more carbon storage benefits than adding new forests.
Press Release — Dec 4, 2024
As Climate Change Intensifies and Populations Grow, Southeastern Counties Are In the Hot Seat
A new paper highlights potential priorities for climate-mitigation measures, and finds a blend of climate risk, large populations, and vulnerable counties across the Southeastern United States.
Working Paper — Dec 12, 2024
From Catastrophe to Caution: The Effect of Wildfires on Community Hazard Mitigation Investments
In this working paper, the authors examine the impact of wildfires on community-level hazard mitigation efforts, specifically focusing on participation in the Firewise USA program.
Journal Article — Dec 4, 2024
Land-Use Change, No-Net-Loss Policies, and Effects on Carbon Dioxide Removals
A peer-reviewed paper shows that because mature forests store substantially more carbon than young forests, avoiding losses of existing forests provides more carbon storage benefits than adding new forests.
Working Paper — Dec 3, 2024
Changing Hazards, Exposure, and Vulnerability in the Conterminous United States, 2020–2070
In this working paper, the authors analyze how climate change reshapes natural resource hazards in the United States and assess the interplay of hazard exposure, social vulnerability, and drivers like climate and population changes over the next 50 years.
Report — Aug 8, 2024
Can Market Incentives for Wood Products Help Scale Wildfire Risk Reductions in the West?
Can Market Incentives for Wood Products Help Scale Wildfire Risk Reductions in the West?
Environmental Justice Series — May 7, 2024
Minority Food Producers in the Climate Transition
A webinar examining the role of agricultural producers of color in the development of sustainable solutions for climate change.
RFF Live — Jul 25, 2023
Changing Climate, Changing Forests: Exploring the US Forest Service’s 2020 RPA Assessment
On Tuesday, July 25, RFF and the USDA Forest Service unpacked the findings from the 2020 RPA Assessment and discussed the implications of our changing forest resources.
RFF Live — Jun 27, 2023
Policy Road Map to Accelerate Responsible BECCS Deployment
An event hosted by EFI Foundation and Resources for the Future reviewing the future of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage
RFF Live — Nov 30, 2022
Sparking Solutions: Wildfire Risk and Insurance
The third RFF Live event in the "Sparking Solutions" event series examining the role of insurance in mitigating the risks of wildfire.
On the Issues — Jul 19, 2024
On the Issues: Communicating Flood Risk, Flood Response, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: communicating flood risk, flood response, and more.
Resources Radio — Jul 9, 2024
Loved to Death? Social Media and Rising Visitation to National Parks, with Casey Wichman
Casey Wichman discusses the influence of social media on the popularity of national parks and the effects of increased visitation on overcrowding and park revenue.
Resources Radio — Jun 25, 2024
What Can Cell Phone Data Tell Us about Outdoor Recreation?, with Daniel Phaneuf
Daniel Phaneuf discusses methods of estimating the value of environmental goods, such as spaces for outdoor recreation, by using data collected from cell phones.
In Focus — May 23, 2024
In Focus: Equity in US Agricultural Policy
This video shares insights about how policymakers can improve equity in the Farm Bill and other US agricultural programs, with RFF Fellow Suzanne Russo.
Media Highlight — Dec 5, 2024
E&E News: “Report Finds Southeast Forest Fire Risks Could Top Western Threats”
This article details the findings of a new paper coauthored by RFF Senior Fellow Dave Wear; as climate change worsens and populations grow, the Southeast is increasingly at risk of wildfire damage.
Press Release — Dec 4, 2024
As Climate Change Intensifies and Populations Grow, Southeastern Counties Are In the Hot Seat
A new paper highlights potential priorities for climate-mitigation measures, and finds a blend of climate risk, large populations, and vulnerable counties across the Southeastern United States.
Media Highlight — Feb 5, 2024
Smithsonian Magazine: “Six Big Ways Climate Change Could Impact the United States by 2100”
RFF Fellow Matthew Wibbenmeyer comments on the threat of climate-driven wildfire.
Media Highlight — Dec 27, 2023
Inside Climate News: “Biden Administration Takes Historic Step to Protect Old-Growth Forest”
A story about proposed federal land management policy mentions a 2021 RFF analysis on the distribution of the United States‘ protected lands.
