Carbon Direct Case Studies Boulder County's Localized Approach to Carbon Removal and Climate Resilience
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Boulder County's Localized Approach to Carbon Removal and Climate Resilience

Carbon Direct
Boulder County in Colorado was faced with the devastating aftermath of the 2021 Marshall Fire, the most destructive wildfire in the state's history, which was ignited by climate change-related weather patterns. The county recognized the urgent need to combat global climate change on a local scale to ensure the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of its residents. The challenge was to develop local carbon removal and resilience solutions that could be incorporated into the county's sustainability plans. Boulder County also aimed to model these strategies for other local governments, encouraging them to mobilize their resources for climate adaptation and increased resilience.
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The 'customer' in this case study is Boulder County, a local government entity in Colorado. The county was severely affected by the 2021 Marshall Fire, the most destructive wildfire in the state's history, which was triggered by climate change-related weather patterns. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change on a local scale, Boulder County took the initiative to develop and implement carbon removal and resilience strategies. The county's efforts are aimed at ensuring the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of its residents, while also setting an example for other local governments to follow.
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Boulder County initiated the Climate Innovation Fund to mobilize local government resources for advancing climate adaptation strategies. The county sought to incorporate carbon removal projects into their sustainability plans, setting an example for other local governments. In collaboration with Carbon Direct and the 4 Corners Carbon Coalition, Boulder County documented the best practices for place-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects. They developed a four-part framework for implementing high-quality and equitable CDR projects that consider both community resources and priorities. This playbook offers local governments a comprehensive guide to implementing their own CDR projects, thereby encouraging a localized approach to combating climate change.
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The operational results of Boulder County's initiative are primarily qualitative. The county has successfully developed a four-part framework for implementing high-quality and equitable carbon dioxide removal projects. This framework takes into account both community resources and priorities, ensuring that the projects are sustainable and beneficial for the local community. Furthermore, Boulder County has set a precedent for other local governments, demonstrating how they can mobilize their resources to advance climate adaptation strategies. The county's efforts have also resulted in the creation of a comprehensive playbook for local governments, which serves as a valuable resource for implementing carbon removal projects.
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