The study’s authors say a contribution approach would be more scientifically accurate and legally defensible than the current system, potentially resulting in higher quality projects.

attheu.utah.edu/research/car...

www.nature.com/articles/s41...

To be effective, corporations should financially contribute to climate mitigation, as opposed to claiming credit for actions that may ultimately provide little climate benefit.

Successful forest carbon credits should:

1. Lead to net global cooling;
2. Result in additional climate benefits;
3. Avoid carbon “leakage;”
4. Store carbon long enough to make a difference

Over the past few years, U Biology Professor Dr. William Anderegg assembled a Wilkes Center Working Group of leading scientists from other US universities to identify the specific problems and propose solutions.

But forest carbon credits have widespread problems that are undermining the potential for companies to invest in Nature-based Climate Solutions (NbCS). Better science and policies are needed.

Third Prize, $500 – Yarong Cao⁠
Revealing disparities and drivers of compound exposure to urban heat and PM 2.5 pollution using low-cost sensors⁠
Mentor: Alexandra Ponette-González, associate professor, City & Metropolitan Planning, College of Architecture

Second Prize, $1000 – Rylie Gagne⁠
Walking on Thin Ice: Polar Bear Navigation in a Warming Arctic⁠
Mentor: Jody Reimer, assistant professor, School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Mathematics, College of Science

First Prize, $1500 – Nathan Murthy⁠
Satellite-Tracking data reveals migratory pathways of Steppe and Booted Eagles in the African-Eurasian Flyway⁠
Mentor: Cagan Sekercioglu, professor, School of Biological Sciences, College of Science⁠

The finalists will present their solutions during the morning of the upcoming Wilkes Climate Summit on May 15 at the Eccles Alumni House. Register at this link to attend: wilkescenter.utah.edu/summit/

The seven finalists are:
· Mlinda Charitable Trust (India)
· Shamsina (Egypt; New York)
· De Novo Foodlabs (North Carolina)
· Symmetry Wood, PBC (California)
· Build up Nepal Engineering (Nepal)
· OGA Street Tech (Louisiana)
· Roca Water, Inc. (California)

The annual Climate Launch Prize supports innovative ideas from organizations at all stages, both for-profits and nonprofits—anywhere in the world—to help fund and accelerate solutions to climate change.

Navigate to this link to read all about him (and his hit YouTube Channel)!
wilkescenter.utah.edu/spotlight/be...

Entrepreneurs, faculty, staff, and students from across Utah are eligible to participate in the hackathon. No coding experience needed! Prizes include cash and perks from sponsors. Read full details at rai.utah.edu/hackathon

The DEADLINE to REGISTER is APRIL 15th.