Comment on 100+ leaders’ commitment to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030

Commenting on the news that more than 100 leaders will commit to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, Matt Williams, Climate and Land Programme Lead of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

"This deal on deforestation is one of the first major outcomes of the UN climate summit and recognises that an enhanced natural world offers one of our best chances for keeping temperature rises below 1.5C. The world's forests already store tons of carbon and can hold a great deal more. However, carved up and cut down they release dangerous greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Protecting them - whilst we still can - is critical if the international community is to reach its climate goals.

"But it’s vital this deal goes beyond deforestation and addresses other land degradation. Countries' new 2030 climate goals will only be achieved if all habitats can be protected and restored, and if governments can support farmers to feed the world while protecting the climate.

"This deal brings together forests from around the world alongside a diverse range of countries. But not all of them are forest leaders: Brazil has recently been more interested in plundering than protecting its forests. Nonetheless, such a level of consensus among nations bodes well for the remainder of the summit."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. All the commitments and Declarations on forests and land use will be available from 00.01 on Tuesday 2 November on gov.uk [www.gov.uk/government/publications/cop26-world-leaders-summit-on-action-on-forests-and-land-use-2-november-2021 ] and the COP26 page: https://ukcop26.org/the-conference/cop26-outcomes/

Matt Williams is available for interview requests. To book Matt, please contact Kathy Grenville:kathy.grenville@eciu.net

For more information:

Kathy Grenville, Communications Officer, ECIU, email: kathy.grenville@eciu.net, t: +44 (0)7501 874214.