Trees and hedges can reduce emissions – Yorkshire Post Letters

WE have seen a number of high-profile climate announcements with very little said on nature and the role of the countryside.

Nature-based solutions have huge untapped potential to tackle the climate emergency and restore our environment.

We know the more trees we have to fight runaway climate change, the better – so further investment is welcome news, although £3.9m will only have a limited impact.

What’s more, our humble hedgerows, which like trees have huge potential to soak up carbon emissions, have largely been forgotten.

They are also great for wildlife, including hedgehogs, birds and insects, and are an icon of the English countryside. Hedgerows should become icons of climate action.

That’s why it is crucial the Government delivers a far-reaching national tree strategy that champions the role of hedgerows. The time for action has come. The Government has a golden opportunity to invest in regenerating hedgerows, which must include a 40 per cent increase in their cover by 2050 as recommended by the Committee on Climate Change. This can be delivered alongside other natural solutions, to help prevent runaway climate change and benefit people and wildlife.

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