The CLA says climate change talks are vital

The CLA today stressed the importance of talks that are paving the way for a new international agreement on how to tackle climate change – set to be signed in Copenhagen in December. 

The rural economy experts said that climate change opens many possibilities for land managers; for instance, to store carbon in soils and timber, and to produce renewable energy. 

And the CLA believes unrestrained climate change poses great threats to continued agricultural and forestry production – heat stress for plants and animals, flooding and drought, sea level rise, more storms and disease spread.

The CLA said land management has an essential role to play in:

• the adaptation of agriculture, forests, and ecosystems, and water conservation and coastline management,
• mitigation, by management of carbon stocks in trees and soils, and by providing substitution from renewable sources for energy (biomass and biofuels), heat (biomass again) and construction materials (timber).

The CLA supports the efforts of those seeking international agreements whereby countries make binding commitments to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the CLA is concerned that the policies to encourage a switch by consumers to renewables are not being whole-heartedly pursued.

The Bonn talks earlier this month explored ways to achieve new targets for the developed (Annex I) countries and to halt deforestation in the developing world.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "These negotiations seem arcane and distant from farming and forestry in England and Wales. Yet they could contain measures which could enable our land managers to make a real contribution to mitigating climate change and support the rural economy in the process."

Emeritus Professor Allan Buckwell – Policy Director

Has overall responsibility for the co-ordination and delivery of all policy affecting land use. Ensures that the CLA promotes policies that are distinctive and benefit members. Is responsible for strategic thinking on major land use issues and promoting CLA profile across relevant UK and EU institutions. He chairs the European Landowners Organisation (ELO) Policy Group and co-ordinates CLA relations with ELO.

Phone: 020 7235 0511
FAX: 020 7235 4696
Email allan.buckwell@cla.org.uk