Hilary Benn reappoints rural climate change forum
The Rural Climate Change Forum (RCCF) has been reappointed up to March 2011, to continue advising Government how the agriculture, forestry, and land management sector can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.
The existing Chair and members of the RCCF have all been asked to remain in their roles, while three new members from the agricultural sector have been invited to join the Forum.
Announcing the reappointments, Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, said:
"Over the past three years the Rural Climate Change Forum has provided valuable support and advice to Defra. I’m delighted to extend the Forum’s term, reappoint the existing members with John Gilliland as Chair, and invite the Agriculture and Horticultural Development Board, the Agricultural Industries Confederation, and the Soil Association to join.
"The Forum will play a vital role in shaping policy as we work with the farming, forestry and land management sectors to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and adapt to the impacts of climate change."
At its meeting yesterday the RCCF met with Lord Adair Turner, Chairman of the Committee on Climate Change. Lord Turner said:
"My Committee has just advised Government that it should adopt a target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.
As a significant emitter of nitrous oxide and methane, the agriculture, forestry and land management sector has a major part to play in meeting this target. I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Forum today. Its work will help inform my Committee’s report to Government in December, which will include advice on the levels of UK carbon budgets up to 2022".
Dr John Gilliland OBE, Chair of the RCCF said:
"I’m very pleased to have been asked to continue as Chair of the Forum, and to have the opportunity to support the work of both the Committee on Climate Change and the Government. We have already made a good start in helping the sector understand its responsibilities and I’m excited at the prospect of being able to move this work forward over the next two and a half years".
