FORWARD LOOK
68%
A OF CL RE A S R E MEMB AKING T R E D UN TE CLIMA SOME N ACTIO
The climate agenda CLA Land Use Policy Adviser Alice Green explains how the Association will be developing its work on climate action in 2022 to ensure the rural economy is at the top of the agenda
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limate change awareness built steadily during 2021 in the runup to the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow. The CLA was pleased to present at a fringe event at COP26, focusing on the landowners’ role in nature-based solutions to address climate change and support nature recovery. The event was part of an increasing CLA focus on climate change policy and advice in recent years. This aligns with our natural capital focus, which you can find out more about on page 26. While agriculture and land use change are often in the headlines in relation to climate change and are a focus for much of our work, we have also been championing the wider rural economy and issues related to decarbonising energy in rural areas, upgrading the electric network to allow more renewable energy projects and electric vehicle charging. This was evident at the CLA’s Rural Business Conference in December 2021, and accompanying publication Towards Net Zero, which showcases some actions taken by members. of the climate a There is potential for farmers and land pote managers to contribute to climate action, co but just as no two farms are the same, there is no blueprint for how to do this. bl From the 2021 202 CLA climate change member survey, surv we know 68% of respondents responden are taking action, but for some, climate action is more di cult due d to land, time and finance nanc and other constraints.
The barriers to taking voluntary action to tackle climate change are significant. The costs of investments for climate action and the lack of market premiums are key problems. However, there is scope to incentivise and reward climate actions through government public goods payments and emerging carbon markets. There is still work to do to make these work effectively together, alongside work on clarifying the tax treatment and the legal agreements for selling carbon. These continue to be areas of focus for the CLA in 2022. The CLA will take advantage of the momentum from 2021 to build climate action and resilience into all aspects of our work across agriculture, woodlands, environment, energy and housing. We aim to support members in addressing climate change in their business activities and local communities by providing information and advice. We also continue our work to ensure that the rural economy is not left behind but is instead a leading contributor to a net zero economy, with support from the right government policies and governance of carbon markets. If you have questions on climate change, please visit the CLA website for resources, or speak to our national or regional advisers. If you would like to get involved in climate policy development, we have a CLA climate panel that helps the policy team develop ideas and respond to consultations. Please email alice.green@cla.org.uk for more information or to join the panel.
IMAGE: ISTOCK
‘Our aim is to support members in addressing climate change and to ensure that the rural economy is not left behind’
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