Sun Guiying / Villager   On September 28, 2022, the first carbon credit sale distributed 150 RMB to each villager. Some even used it as dowries. This tangible value teaches future generations that clean air can be preserved—and profitable.   In three words: happy, content, and joyful.     Changkou Village lies in Sanming, northern Fujian.     Iris Wong / Host In May 2021, China’s first forestry carbon tickets were issued in Changkou Village, with the village receiving Credit No. 1. For the first time, "clean air" became real economic value.     Here’s how it works: An independent third party measures the carbon dioxide absorbed by forests. Each ton is verified as a tradable carbon ticket, certifying emissions removal.     Wu Yehua / Village Cadre Back then, many companies wanted to buy our forested land—mostly for plywood or timber factories. But every proposal was rejected by our village council.     Wu Yehua: We live in a good environment and earn an income—that’s the best. The future is full of hope.  Villagers now protect forests while earning income from carbon credit trading.     Jiang Qinen / Manager, Fujian Jinsen Carbon Technology Co., Ltd.   Initially, Changkou Village planted over 2 square kilometers of new forests, projected to absorb 12,000 tons of CO₂.     In Changkou, villagers grow medicinal herbs, russula mushrooms, and navel oranges, boosting incomes and tourism. They’ve also built a kayaking training base.     Iris Wong: Protecting the environment banks wealth in living forests. Here, emerald mountains and crystal waters are sustainable gold.