Archived press release

Forestry emissions cuts plan 'risks unravelling climate action'

9 June 2010

A loophole in emissions reduction rules which could soon be agreed at the latest round of the UN talks in Bonn, Germany, could wipe out carbon cuts made under the Kyoto Protocol since 2008 and unravel efforts to secure strong and fair action to tackle climate change, Friends of the Earth is warning today (Wednesday 9 June 2010).

The loophole, which could enable rich countries to increase their emissions by up to 400 million tonnes by 2020, is being negotiated as part of talks on the Kyoto Protocol - the legally binding instrument which enshrines rich countries' responsibility to cut emissions first and fastest - called 'Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry' (LULUCF).

Under the Kyoto Protocol, rich countries - in recognition that they have caused climate change through being the first countries to industrialise - are required to cut their emissions by a collective five per cent on 1990 levels.

Rich countries are proposing that they could set the base level for their cuts from forestry emissions at whatever they like - allowing them to create big enough buffers that little or no real cuts need to be made.

They are pushing for the flexibility to set targets for the amount of carbon they save from replanting trees and preventing deforestation artificially high - allowing them to make fewer emissions cuts in this and other areas under the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol from 2012 onwards.

Developing countries, who are hardest hit by climate change, are accusing rich countries of pushing the loophole so they can use it to avoid making more stringent cuts in other areas through action such as expanding renewable energy on a large scale.

Commenting on the loophole, Friends of the Earth's senior international climate campaigner Asad Rehman said:

"Rich countries should be focusing on cutting their emissions first and fastest - yet instead, through this loophole on their forestry emissions, they're taking an axe to efforts to tackle climate change fairly and effectively.

"Countries who have done most to cause global warming are putting developing countries in the frontline of climate catastrophe. It's only fair they take action to put this right and provide money to compensate.

"Rich countries are also trying to dismantle the only effective and fair way to cut their emissions - the Kyoto Protocol - and expand loopholes so that they can carry on polluting.

"The EU must show true leadership and commit to cutting its emissions by at least 40 per cent by 2020 - and make sure black-hole sized loopholes behind the scenes don't undermine every effort to achieve this. "

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Friends of the Earth is supporting the campaign for a tax on financial transactions - a Robin Hood Tax - to provide finance for developing countries to develop cleanly and adapt to the effects of climate change. For further information visit www.robinhoodtax.org.uk .

2. Friends of the Earth believes the environment is for everyone. We want a healthy planet and a good quality of life for all those who live on it. We inspire people to act together for a thriving environment. For further information visit www.foe.co.uk .

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust