Land use planning for increased carbon absorption: Municipalities can use land-use planning and permitting to increase their greenbelt area as well as establish policies to minimize urban/suburban sprawl, such as by encouraging the infilling and densification of existing urban areas and use of abandoned sites. This has the benefit of reducing transportation and energy requirements. By establishing additional green zones in urban areas, not only will there be benefits to the community but it will also increase carbon absorption locally. Similarly, in rural areas, landowners should be encouraged to plant trees on land not used for agriculture and for wetlands to be maintained and expanded where possible. High energy efficient vegetation should be promoted.