A Convenient Truth? The Role of Trees is Undervalued in Climate Change

A wide group of policy makers and key representatives gathered in Cardiff this week (Wednesday, June 18) for a major conference, Forests and Climate Change - A Convenient Truth.

Hosted by Forestry Commission Wales, the event held at the Millennium Centre featured a number of respected scientists and forestry experts who highlighted the valuable role that trees can play in helping to combat CO2 emissions, as well as help Wales adapt to the already inevitable fact of climate change.

Delegates enjoyed the first showing of a bilingual DVD titled ‘Forests and Climate Change: A convenient truth?, prepared by the Forestry Commission to help communicate the role of forestry in helping to tackle this global problem.

The key messages from the conference, compered by BBC Wales Political Correspondent Betsan Powys, were that trees can play both a constant, on-going role in reducing the detrimental effects of CO2 emissions and also help people adapt to the inevitable changes caused by a changing climate. Responsible, sustainable woodland policies and management are therefore an effective way of tackling the threats posed by climate change.

Opening the conference, Rural Affairs Minister Elin Jones said, "The whole climate change debate is hugely important. Even though Wales is small and forests cover just 14% of the land surface of Wales, we still have the ability to make a difference. If the government isn't leading the way with the public forests that it owns, then how can we expect others to make the difficult choices required to make a bigger impact domestically and globally?

Dr Robin Cotton, Managing Director of Wood Energy Ltd gave a key note speech on the role that wood fuel heating can play in sustainable woodland practices and in reducing CO₂ emissions.  A large number of case studies on recent Binder biomass boiler installations within Wales by Wood Energy were also presented.