Australia Joins Forests Partnership to Drive Climate Action
Australia has become a founding member of the Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership, a new international group to accelerate the contribution of forests to global climate action.
The UK-led voluntary partnership was formally launched at COP27 in Egypt to maintain the momentum of global action on climate change through forest-based initiatives.
The new partnership is dedicated to advancing ambition from the Glasgow Leaders Declaration on Forests and Land Use, of which Australia is a signatory, to help achieve the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Global Forest Goals.
The Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership will support the goals of the declaration, focusing on stepping up global efforts to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030, and promoting sustainable production and trade.
By joining the partnership, Australia reaffirms its commitment to this ambitious cause, and to work with other countries to support global efforts to combat climate change with forest solutions.
Australia is already contributing to global action to reduce emissions from forest activities as a founding member of the Global Forest Observations Initiative. Australia also provides support to countries in our region to enhance their natural resource management, conservation and protection.
In the decade to 2020, Australia increased its forested area by 4.4 million hectares – the second largest increase of any nation in that period. Australia’s sustainable forest practices are consistent with the focus on ensuring that forests and forest products provide climate solutions.
In addition to Australia, other members of the Forests and Climate Leaders Partnership include Canada, Ecuador, Finland, Gabon, Norway, the Republic of Korea, the UK and the US.
Commenting on the move Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen said: “The Australian Government is getting ahead with climate action, working with industry and the community to decarbonise the economy and our forests will play a crucial role in this transition.”
“By joining this partnership, we will maintain the momentum of global action on climate change as we work to reduce our emissions by 43% by 2030, and achieve net zero by 2050.”
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