Where there’s a will, there’s a way
Many attempts are being made to create scalable carbon capture and storage technology to suck CO2 from the air, store it and then use it. But within nature there already exists a means by which this can be achieved that’s easily scalable. Planting trees represents one of the most effective, affordable and attainable means of tackling anthropogenic climate change, by capturing and storing CO2 and locking it in the soil. Research has shown that a worldwide tree planting programme could remove around two thirds of all the human-generated greenhouse gas emissions that currently exist within the atmosphere.
Of course the benefits of planting more trees, unlike carbon capture and storage technology, does not stop at potential atmospheric CO2 reduction. Trees can offer a defence against flooding, landslides and soil erosion; they can help cool down cities; they help maintain and support greater biodiversity; and can help establish natural corridors for animals and insects to move along. There are numerous countless other benefits from planting more trees and we have all the knowledge and tools to move forward with the programme today and reach the necessary targets in the required timeframe.
The UK needs a net increase of 30,000 hectares of woodland every year over the next 30 years in order to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, according to the Committee on Climate Change (CCC). Or 50,000 hectares if other reduction targets are not met. That means planting at least 1.5 billion trees.
If we are to reach net zero carbon by 2030 — which many local councils, including Haringey, have set as their target — then we need to be planting 150 million trees every year. This may seem a lot but is by no means unachievable — it simply requires the political will to make it happen. We are in the midst of a crisis and with the need for the trees to reach maturity in order to maximise their full CO2 capture and storage potential, we must move forward with this now.
But political will has been conspicuously absent within our government. Over the past 5 years a total of just 44,900 hectares has been planted, which is woefully inadequate and reflects a general lack of engagement on the issue of climate change by this Conservative government. If they stick to the pledge in their latest party manifesto of “30 million trees a year” — and there are no guarantees they will — that’s still 20 million trees a year less than required to meet the minimum recommendations of the CCC — the government’s own advisory body.
The recent election result will have an incredible impact on the path and progression towards achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement — and obtaining carbon neutrality. We will be lacking the leadership necessary at government level to take immediate and meaningful action in order to confront and mitigate the impact of the unfolding climate crisis.
Business as usual — or indeed even less regulation and a continued unwavering belief that the market will deliver the climate action needed in a just and timely manner — is simply not an option. However, while the government’s actions will most likely hinder the pursuit of a carbon neutral society, we — the people — can influence what legislation is written. It’s not only about how we vote at an election that dictates how things progress but how we vote through our actions — or lack of action — every single day.
Our economic and political system is broken and needs fundamental changes but this will take time that we don’t have to spare. So — in the absence of a government that represents the needs of its citizens, that doesn’t ignore national and international advisory committees and is willing to take the steps necessary to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis — we must create local, citizen-led tree planting and rewilding initiatives.
Let’s stand up and do all we can — as if our lives and those of our children and grandchildren depend on it — because they do!
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If you know of an active tree planting programme in north London then please get in touch and we will share it with our subscribers. If you would be interested in working with Village Raw in establishing a tree planting initiative, then get in touch at hello@villageraw.com. You can also read guidelines on how to plant trees in your garden or school here: www.forestresearch.gov.uk/tools-and-resources/urban-tree-manual
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This article first appeared in Village Raw magazine in Dec 2019
