United States / Australia Joint Statement on Forests and Climate

JOINT STATEMENT on Behalf OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

They underscored their governments' recognition that climate change is a global challenge and that action across all sectors is necessary. Recognizing that deforestation is responsible for approximately 20% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, they emphasized that an essential element of any global effort is action to combat deforestation, including by conserving forests and preventing illegal logging.

Minister Turnbull highlighted Australia's recent announcement of its intention to establish a Global Initiative on Forests and Climate to work together with other countries to take practical action to help save the world's forests and reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

Under Secretary Dobriansky welcomed the Australian Initiative and its emphasis on building technical capacity in developing countries; strengthening national regulatory and legal protections for forests; promoting the sustainable use of forest resources; and diversifying the economic base of forest dependent communities. She stressed that the United States is also making the protection and sustainable management of forests a high priority, including through the President's Initiative Against Illegal Logging.

Minister Turnbull and Under Secretary Dobriansky, on behalf of their governments, committed to working together to advance priority projects to improve forest management and reduce global deforestation, and to collaborate in further developing Australia's Global Initiative on Forests and Climate.

Released on April 6, 2007