EU member states reached a preliminary agreement with the European Parliament on the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) regulation on Thursday, agreeing to set a “zero target” for emissions from this sector, in a plan described as “unambitious” by green groups. …the LULUCF sector is required to contribute a 30% emissions cut by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, as part of the EU-wide commitment to cut overall emissions by 40% by 2030. Member states and MEPs agreed to the “no-debit rule” or zero target, meaning that their total emissions from this sector must not exceed their CO2 removals deriving from forest harvesting or land-use change. Further carbon absorption (or carbon ‘sinks’) can be achieved through reforestation and sustainable management of forests, croplands and grasslands.