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WWF submits request for EU report on climate impacts of CAP

06 May 2019
by WWF -- last modified 06 May 2019

WWF has submitted a Freedom of Information request for a crucial assessment of EU farming policy’s impact on the climate.


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The assessment, carried out by external consultants, has been delivered to the European Commission and was due to be released in summer 2018. National agriculture ministers are set to discuss the reform of EU agricultural policy (CAP) as well as the EU's draft long-term climate strategy on 14 May. To do so as effectively and ambitiously as possible for the climate and environment, they need a thorough understanding of the effect of current farming practices on greenhouse gas emissions.

Jabier Ruiz, Senior Policy Officer, Agriculture & Food - WWF European Policy Office said:

"Our farming sector is responsible for 15% of EU greenhouse gases, when it could instead be capturing and storing much more CO2. But having ministers discuss the future of farming and climate policy without all the facts is like orienteering with half a compass: it's harder to get where we need to be. This is why WWF has submitted a Freedom of Information request for the assessment."

Imke Lübbeke, Head of Climate & Energy - WWF European Policy Office said:

"We can achieve wins for both the climate and the farming sector's sustainability by cutting emissions rapidly, and adopting practices that help store more carbon in soils and landscapes. The EU's draft long term climate strategy shows that agriculture can and should do more to achieve net-zero emissions in Europe. Therefore we encourage agriculture ministers to support a vision for EU climate neutrality - with a target year of 2040 to try and keep temperature rise to 1.5°C as the Paris Agreement says - on 14 May."

The European Policy Office helps shape EU policies that impact on the European and global environment.

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