Monterey Bay Natural and Working Lands Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Study

Ascent assisted AMBAG with the development of its Natural and Working Lands Climate Mitigation and Resiliency Study. The study includes estimating the carbon storage and sequestration potential of various land uses and developing strategies to enhance carbon storage through nature-based solutions. The study created a carbon model that calculates the carbon stored in the natural and working lands of the Monterey Bay Area based on vegetation and soil in the area. This model was created as a GIS layer that is incorporated into the Integrated Land Use Model and Development Monitoring Framework Tool, developed by the subcontractors. The project incorporated future scenarios under climate change and their impacts on carbon stock and sequestration.

The study also included conducting stakeholder engagement in focus groups for the region. Implementation of the strategies identified in the study will be carried out by many natural and working lands stakeholders to create a more resilient Monterey Bay Area.