Greenhouse gas emissions: The Council adopts the accounting rules for the land use, land use change and forestry sector

The Council adopted¹ today a decision on accounting rules and information on actions concerning greenhouse gas emissions and removals resulting from activities related to land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) (2/13).

The aim of the decision is to establish a harmonised legal framework for comprehensive and robust accounting rules for this sector which are consistent with relevant decisions adopted within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) framework. The decision represents a first step towards the inclusion of LULUCF activities in the EU's greenhouse gas emission reduction commitments.

According to the decision, member states should also provide information on their national actions to limit or reduce emissions and to maintain or increase removals from the LULUCF sector. This is aimed at stimulating the mitigation potential of the sector, increasing the visibility of measures taken and promoting best practice.

Appropriate land uses and management practices in forestry and agriculture can limit emissions of carbon and enhance removals from the atmosphere.

The decision will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

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¹ The decision was taken without discussion at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting. It follows an agreement with the European Parliament at first reading.

Source : Council of the European Union