Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 28 March 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Nature Restoration Law and Land Use Review: Discussion

Dr. Elaine McGoff:

Yes. On that point, I am not a climate scientist but my understanding is that while it might lead to a short-term flux in methane, when we look at the situation over the longer term, it is a carbon sink. In terms of the science being established, it is well known to have multiple benefits. Wetland rewetting benefits biodiversity, water quality and, in the long term, carbon sequestration. The science on this is clear, but I am not familiar with the report mentioned.