Bioenergy Europe Urges Science-Based Targets and Sustainable Forestry in LULUCF
Bioenergy Europe Urges Science-Based Targets and Sustainable Forestry in LULUCF
Bioenergy Europe welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the evaluation of the Land-Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) regulation. This feedback emphasizes setting achievable, science-based targets, the importance of sustainable forest management, and the need to separate LULUCF from emissions reduction targets while supporting technical carbon removals.
Setting Achievable Science-Based Targets
Forestry operates on long timescales, typically 80 to 120 years, making it essential to set realistic, science-based goals. Bioenergy Europe stresses that LULUCF targets must reflect this long-term nature to avoid undue pressure on forests. The decline in Europe’s carbon sink is partly due to the aging of forests planted a century ago, which now sequester less carbon. Policy targets should account for the long-term nature of forestry and the varying carbon sequestration capacities of trees at different ages. Unrealistic short-term targets could harm forest health and reduce raw materials for the bioeconomy, crucial for replacing fossil fuel-based products and energy.
Promoting Sustainable Forest Management
Climate change has increased natural disturbances like wildfires, insect infestations, and diseases. Sustainable forest management is vital as it enhances forest health and carbon storage compared to unmanaged forests. By managing forests sustainably, it is possible to control fuel load, reducing vulnerability to these disturbances. Sustainable practices are a proactive approach to maintaining forest health and resilience, helping forests adapt to changing climate conditions.
Separate Support for Emissions Reductions and Technical Carbon Removals
Bioenergy Europe asserts that emissions reduction targets for sectors like agriculture and industry should remain separate from the LULUCF sector. The carbon sink in the LULUCF sector should not lower the climate impact reduction ambitions of these other sectors. Additionally, the LULUCF sector should not be the sole area for generating negative emissions. EU climate policy must support other carbon dioxide removal (CDR) methods, such as biochar production and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). Supporting these technical CDR methods alongside CO2 sequestration in the LULUCF sector can accelerate Europe’s path to climate neutrality and ensure that the forestry sector is not overburdened with offsetting emissions reductions needed across various sectors.
In summary, Bioenergy Europe advocates for integrating science-based targets, sustainable forest management, and distinct support for emissions reductions and technical carbon removals in the LULUCF regulation to achieve a balanced and effective climate policy.
