Dr. Frank Mitloehner:

I completely agree. When it comes to methane, there are of course sources we are all aware of, such as cattle's enteric emissions, their manure and other issues. They are sources but they are also sinks. Having been to Ireland twice over the past few years and having talked about these topics several times, I emphasise it is important for a country like Ireland that is largely pasture-based to know under what conditions throughout its geography lands can trap and capture carbon and to what extent. At some point carbon is plateauing, carbon capture is plateauing and no longer increasing. There are some lands that capture more than others but it is very important that Ireland assesses not just the sources but also the sinks and how it can amplify the importance of its sinks and how it can increase soil carbon sequestration, for example, through improved pasture management, grazing management and so on. That is very important. I emphasised the need for that two years ago when I visited and again two weeks ago, or whenever it was.