Halt deforestation before investing in mitigation

Immediate Release: 26 June 2009 

Frank Field, founder of Cool Earth, welcomed the Prime Minister's speech at London Zoo today as a step forward in the international battle against climate change. The Prime Minister called on the rich countries of the world to commit to funding £60bn per year to help fund adaptation measures in poorer countries against future climate change.

However while this is progress in securing an international deal against climate change, it does not focus on the largest contributor to atmospheric CO2 levels, namely tropical deforestation. Cool Earth estimates that 25 per cent of CO2 emissions arise from deforestation. As atmospheric CO2 is the primary cause of global warming, Cool Earth believes the first step in halting climate change must be to cut off its major supplies.

Matthew Owen, director of Cool Earth said: "We welcome this very important announcement as a step forward in sealing an international climate deal, but politicians need to get real. Deforestation is the major cause of our climate emergency. That should be the Prime Minister and the Copenhagen Summit's first priority."

Frank Field, MP for Birkenhead, said: "£60bn is a terrific sum for such economic austere times. Any investment therefore needs tackle the direct cause of climate change. Cool Earth have repeatedly shown that halting deforestation is the only measure worth taking."

 Notes to Editors:

1. Frank Field urged the Government on 18 December 2007 to accept the President of Guyana's offer to safeguard his country's tropical rainforest against deforestation. Here is the link to the Hansard source:

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm071218/debtext/71218-0005.htm#07121855000878

1. Cool Earth was established in 2007 to protect forests against deforestation. It provides a means for individuals to protect the forest themselves rather than rely on governments to do so on their behalf. So far it has protected 57 thousand acres. Cool Earth's website is www.coolearth.co.uk
2. Frank Field is co-founder of Cool Earth and is MP for Birkenhead in the UK Parliament.
3. Matthew Owen is Director of Cool Earth.
4. UN Food and Agriculture Organisation have estimated CO2 emissions from deforestation: http://www.fao.org/forestry/foris/data/cofo/2007/braatz_susan_reducing_emissions_from_deforestation_the_issue_and_fao.pdf

For Further information:

 Please contact Patrick White on 0207 219 6636.

Date added: Friday 26th June 2009
Latest updated: Friday 5th March 2010