Learn about Blake and his research on how trees factor into Carbon Credits

Hi, Green Llama Lovers!

I’m Blake Montgomery, a Biology major at ETSU, and this summer I had the unique opportunity to work alongside Green Llama’s marketing team while researching carbon offsets with ETSU’s entrepreneurship department. As someone who deeply loves the outdoors, working with a team dedicated to eco-friendly practices was truly inspiring.

Facing the Carbon Credit Conundrum

Carbon credits, tradable permits that allow the release of a certain amount of CO_2, are becoming increasingly important as more businesses and individuals strive to reduce their carbon footprints. However, calculating these credits quickly and accurately remains a significant challenge. With one carbon credit equaling one metric ton of CO₂, ensuring the validity of these credits is crucial for building trust in sustainable practices.

Unpacking My Research on Carbon Offsets

My undergraduate research project focused on understanding how carbon credits are calculated, verified, and sold. We delved into nature-based sequestration, specifically, how trees capture carbon. Trees absorb CO₂ and convert it into biomass, storing carbon in their trunks and leaves. For instance, it's estimated that trees in the European Union hold up to 9.8 billion tons of carbon (source).

Solving the Verification Puzzle

One major problem in the carbon offset market is the risk of overselling credits. Without proper verification, the same piece of land might be sold to multiple buyers. To tackle this, our research team proposed using drones to capture high-resolution images of large land plots. These images help identify tree species, measure tree height and diameter, assess canopy cover, count trees, and calculate the percentage of tree coverage. This data is essential to accurately determine how much CO₂ a plot of land sequesters each year.

The Future of Carbon Credits

By creating an accurate and reliable system for verifying carbon credits, we can boost market confidence, enable more offset sales, and drive a shift toward a more sustainable way of living. This technology not only helps reduce the risk of double-selling credits but also provides transparency for buyers, showing exactly where their carbon credit comes from.

How Can You Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?

As we push for innovations in carbon offset verification, I challenge you to consider your own impact on the environment. Whether it’s through supporting eco-friendly brands like Green Llama or making personal changes to reduce your carbon footprint, every action counts toward a more sustainable future.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Stay curious, and let’s work together to create a greener, more sustainable world.

— Blake Montgomery, ETSU Biology Major