3 Amendments of Jutta PAULUS related to 2021/0201(COD)
Amendment 204 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 a (new)
Recital 8 a (new)
(8a) Highlights that the Union is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG) from drained peatlands globally, corresponding to around 5% of the official Union greenhouse gas emissions total per year; highlights the urgent need to phase out the use of peat in horticulture (vegetable gardening, plant breeding, professional as well as con- professional use) and in combustion for energy generation or heating. In order to ensure the reduction of peatland-related emissions, an Union-wide ban on peat extraction as soon as possible, excluding peat extraction for certain limited use such as medical or scientific purposes could play a vital role; considers that restoration of peatlands is a cost-effective approach to biodiversity restoration as well as climate change mitigation and adaption, and highlights the importance of ecosystem-based solutions; calls for a European Wetland and Peatland Strategy which should provide a basis for coherent peat- and wetland management and policymaking.
Amendment 209 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 b (new)
Recital 8 b (new)
(8b) While peatlands can store twice as much carbon as all the world's forests, covering only 3% of the world’s land area yet holding nearly 30% of the soil carbon and are a home to fragile biodiversity that cannot exist elsewhere, damaged peatlands are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions; There is a need for legally binding targets for restoration of bogs, mires and wetlands in the Union as provided in the EU Biodiversity Strategy, implemented at Member State level; highlights that wetlands are essential ecosystems that provide many services, for people, the planet and the climate—including their vital role as a natural carbon sink.
Amendment 211 #
Proposal for a regulation
Recital 8 c (new)
Recital 8 c (new)
(8c) Highlights the importance of paludiculture is an important form of productive land use of wetlands and peatlands that stops degradation and subsidence and minimises emissions by up to 70% in comparison to conventional agriculture on drained peatland. Large- scale implementation of paludiculture in suitable bogs and mires that are used unsustainably today in combination with incentives and support for landowners when they rewet drained agricultural peatlands can be vital for reducing emissions. Conservation strategies like rewilding can also play a crucial role in restoring keystone species and repairing damaged ecosystems. Therefore sufficient funding for sustainable use of peatlands and wetlands must be available.