Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2020
112. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if Ireland will make a commitment under the Bonn challenge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18740/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the related challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and deforestation requires effective multilateral cooperation at the international level. In relation to climate change, Ireland's engagement with its EU and international partners takes place through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement. Ireland is committed to promoting sustainable environmental practices and increased climate ambition through these processes, and engages in negotiations through its membership of the European Union. Together with its EU partners, Ireland looks forward to continued positive engagement and ambitious climate action by all Parties to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
The Bonn Challenge is a global effort to bring 150 million hectares of the world’s deforested and degraded land into restoration by 2020, and 350 million hectares by 2030. The Programme for Government commits to the development a new strategy to expand afforestation, particularly close to nature forestry and agro-forestry, which will be led by the Minister of Agriculture Food and Marine. Forestry provides verifiable removal and storage of CO2 from the atmosphere, which will help Ireland to meet its ambitious climate objectives. Forestry also provides important resources for the bioenergy supply chain and the wider bio-economy, as well as timber products, which can act as a less carbon-intensive substitute for other materials in construction and related sectors. My officials with liaise with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine with a view to understanding whether the Bonn Challenge is an appropriate vehicle for advancing the Programme for Government commitments.
