Response - how trees can help
Trees and woodlands can play an important part
in reducing the impact of climate change. A primary cause of
climate change is the carbon released into the atmosphere by
burning fossil fuels like coal and oil. Fortunately, all plants
absorb carbon.
In trees, you’ll find Carbon ‘locked up’ in the woody tissue of
the trunk, branches and twigs. It only finds its way back
into the atmosphere when the trees are burned, or decay
naturally. The process is called carbon sequestration.
Importantly, trees absorb carbon quicker when they’re growing
actively.
Sadly, it would not be feasible to simply plant enough trees to
soak up all the excess carbon in the atmosphere – even if we were
to plant trees right across Wales!
However, developing trees can help offset climate change.
Woodlands and timber also have an important role to play in
adapting to this change.
How can trees help?
Imagine a world where pests and disease thrive in rising
temperatures, or where frequent and savage storms wreak havoc on
our woodland and landscape. How can trees help? Did you know
that:
- Planting a greater mix of tree species benefits biodiversity
and could help reduce the risk of pests and diseases causing
catastrophic damage.
- Woodland can actively slow the rate at which water reaches
streams and rivers after heavy rains - this could help reduce
flooding in the future.
- Timber is an efficient source of renewable energy that is said
to be carbon-neutral when burnt. It can be used in many forms
to provide heat or generate electricity for domestic and industrial
purposes.
- Timber is also a durable and economic material for
building. Its use can reduce the carbon budget of any
construction - the total amount of carbon released into the
atmosphere as a result of the build. Sustainable construction is
clever construction.