Climate change is one of the single biggest threats facing us all and a sense of urgency is needed if we are to tackle it effectively. Forestry has a fundamental part to play, with global deforestation being part of the problem, and reforestation and use of forest products being an important part of the solution.
The climate change action plan
- Download the Climate change action plan (PDF 5Mb)
Forestry Commission Scotland’s climate change action plan was launched by Michael Russell, Minister for Environment, on 2 February 2009.
The plan describes what the Commission will do to increase the contribution and response of Scottish forestry to the challenges of climate change, and focuses on what needs to be done both as early actions and to increase future preparedness.
As knowledge about climate change, and the evidence base for forestry’s role in helping to tackle it, is advancing quickly, the action plan will be reviewed in 2011.
Options for using the National Forest Estate for climate change mitigation measures
In November 2008, Scottish Ministers asked Forestry Commission Scotland to consider options for using the assets of the national forest estate to help fund forest-related climate change mitigation measures. This report was prepared in parallel with consultation on forestry provisions in the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill.
- Read the Options Appraisal (PDF 243k)
- See details of the consultation on forestry provisions in the Climate Change (Scotland) bill.
Renewable energy ventures
In March 2009, Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham announced that Forestry Commission Scotland will now work to develop a number of options to ensure Scotland’s national forests make a bigger impact on tackling climate change.
These options will include developing joint ventures on renewable energy projects, making the Scotland Rural Development Programme more effective in stimulating woodland creation, urging the Treasury to consider tax incentives and continuing to dispose of surplus land to raise income to establish new woodlands.
After careful consideration, the proposal to lease parts of Scotland’s national forests to private companies will not be taken forward.
Joint action on climate change
Forestry Commission Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Historic Scotland are all government funded organisations with responsibilities for different aspects of Scotland’s environment and heritage. They have come together to make a joint statement on climate change.
Alternative formats
If you need these publications in an alternative format, for example, large print or another language, please e-mail: diversity@forestry.gsi.gov.uk with your requirement or contact: The Diversity Team, Forestry Commission, Silvan House, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT.
Consultation
The development of the Climate change action plan included a public consultation on a draft Climate Change Action Plan 2008-2010 (PDF 220k) between 11 March and 6 June 2008.
Responses to the public consultation can be viewed at Forestry Commission Scotland, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh. You can arrange to view them by calling us on 0131 314 6156. Responses can also be copied and sent to you (a charge may be made for this service).
We have produced a broad analysis of the 43 consultation responses:
- Read the consultation report (PDF 219k)
- Read Forestry Commission Scotland's response (PDF 58k) to the main areas of feedback from the consulation.
