Jeff Horowitz

Jeff Horowitz is the founder of Avoided Deforestation Partners, an international network dedicated to reducing global carbon emissions from deforestation. Since its inception in 2007, ADP has become one of the most effective international policy organizations for halting tropical deforestation. ADP forged a landmark consensus agreement on U.S. forest-climate policy among leading environmental and business groups, and was responsible for creating “The Tropical Forest & Climate Unity Agreement.” The TFCC agreement formed the basis for forest principles in the Waxman-Markey Bill, representing a package of funds and offset crediting amounting to $14 billion per year to protect tropical rainforests. The Unity Agreement has been informally adopted by the U.S. Administration as their policy on international forest protection. In addition to legislation, ADP has had an influential role in creating and supporting the U.S. $1 billion pledge to fund REDD+. Among other initiatives, ADP is actively involved with advancing forest provisions in California’s climate legislation.

Prior to establishing AD Partners, Jeff was the Vice-Chair of Equator Environmental LLC, a New York-based for-profit company engaged in the development of forest-carbon projects. His work with Equator provided him a valuable perspective on how to effectively leverage private investment to protect forests and reduce emissions. Previously, Jeff was an internationally recognized architect and leading advocate for progressive urban and economic development policies. He directed large-scale architectural projects in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In 2002, Jeff founded Urbanists International, a non-profit organization that provided urban design and land planning assistance to developing nations.

In addition to his work on climate policy, Jeff and his wife Lynn own and operate Rio Lago Ranch and Vineyard, located in California's Sonoma County. Rio Lago specializes in the production of high-end cabernet sauvignon wine grapes. Jeff holds a Masters in Architecture from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design, and was the founding editor of the Harvard Architecture Review.