The ex-ante appraisal carbon-balance tool (EX-ACT)

Abstract

Agriculture contributes about 14% of global greenhouse gases per year. Mitigation for the sector is high since abatement options are often cost neutral or even net-profit-positive. The EX-ACT (Ex-ante Appraisal Carbon-balance) tool was developed by three FAO divisions (TCA, TCI and ESA) and aims to measure the impact of agriculture on GHG emissions and carbon sequestration. It consists of a set of Microsoft Excel sheets into which the project designer inserts land use and management practices foreseen under the project. The output shows the projects carbon balance resulting from the project's activities.