UK R&I announces £10.5m to develop new tools to help trees and woodlands adapt to climate change
The government-backed UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) agency has announced new funding to support sustainability projects aimed to help trees and woodlands adapt to climate change.
UK Research and Innovation will provide £10.5 million as part of the £14.5 million Future of UK Treescapes Programme.
The research aims to further the UK in its mission to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, this study will support the expansion of treescapes across the UK, while expanding our understanding of the value of trees to the planet.
As trees and woodlands play a vital role in removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, the UK government has pledged to plant millions of trees every year over the coming decade.
However, other factors, such as changing climate, disease, and competing demands for land may prevent us from reversing our decline in biodiversity and environmental quality.
Professor Sir Duncan Wingham, Executive Chair of NERC, part of UK Research and Innovation, said:
‘’Our trees and forests are a precious resource and part of the solution to tackling the climate and ecological emergencies we face and helping the UK reach net zero in 2050. This research will increase our understanding of the huge societal, economic, cultural and environmental benefits associated with treescapes.’’
Chris Stark, Head of Sustainable Management at Scottish Forestry, said:
‘’Scotland’s ambition is to reach net zero by 2045 and the country’s forests and woodlands are playing a significant role in helping us achieve this target.
Scotland provides around 80% of the UK woodland creation target. We are increasing our yearly woodland creation targets to 18,000 hectares a year by 2024 to 2025 and this will help soak up millions of harmful CO2 emissions. This increase in woodland cover will also improve the environment, boost nature and generate over a £1 billion to the Scottish economy each year.’’
10 August 2021
Climate Action
