Land plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle, influencing emissions and removals of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O). The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) recognizes the significance of sustainable land use for mitigating climate change and promoting adaptation. The Paris Agreement (Article 5) reinforces this by highlighting efforts like forests and REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation).

Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF)

Role of Land in Climate Mitigation

Land-based activities, including forestry, agriculture, and land-use change, significantly influence carbon sequestration and GHG emissions. According to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report, the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector contributed 13–21% of global GHG emissions (2010–2019).

Key Findings on Land Use and Carbon Storage

• Deforestation is the major driver of emissions, accounting for 45% of AFOLU emissions.
• Forests, croplands, and grasslands serve as carbon sinks, storing CO₂ in soil and vegetation.
• Mitigation strategies include reforestation, afforestation, sustainable land management, and soil carbon sequestration.
• Challenges: Carbon storage in vegetation and soils is not permanent and can be reversed by human activities, climate change, and natural disasters.

REDD+ and Land-Based Mitigation

What is REDD+?

REDD+ is a framework under the UNFCCC to reduce deforestation and forest degradation while enhancing carbon sinks. It plays a crucial role in global climate action, as forests help mitigate climate change by:

• Reducing emissions from deforestation.
• Enhancing biodiversity and water resources.
• Supporting food security and sustainable development.

Challenges and Implementation Needs

• Financial and Institutional Support: Countries need resources to implement REDD+ effectively.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Clear metrics are required to assess REDD+ effectiveness.
• Global Cooperation: REDD+ aligns with the Paris Agreement, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Conclusion

Land use is a key element in global climate strategies. Sustainable land management, afforestation, and emission reduction from agriculture can significantly contribute to mitigating climate change. However, these efforts require strong policy integration, financial support, and collaboration to ensure long-term impact.

Reference: UNFCCC Archives

https://unfccc.int/about-us/unfccc-archives

Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

To achieve this long-term temperature goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate neutral world by mid-century.

The Paris Agreement is a landmark in the multilateral climate change process because, for the first time, a binding agreement brings all nations into a common cause to undertake ambitious efforts to combat climate change and adapt to its effects.

How does the Paris Agreement work?

Implementation of the Paris Agreement requires economic and social transformation, based on the best available science. The Paris Agreement works on a 5- year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate action carried out by countries. By 2020, countries submit their plans for climate action known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs).

What have we achieved so far?

Although climate change action needs to be massively increased to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, the years since its entry into force have already sparked low-carbon solutions and new markets. More and more countries, regions, cities and companies are establishing carbon neutrality targets. Zero-carbon solutions are becoming competitive across economic sectors representing 25% of emissions. This trend is most noticeable in the power and  transport sectors and has created many new business opportunities for early movers.

By 2030, zero-carbon solutions could be competitive in sectors representing over 70% of global emissions.

Reference:

https://unfccc.int