18. Mr. Alan W. WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the possible contribution of tree plantations in upland areas in tackling global warming. [133318]
§ Mr. MeacherUK woodlands remove about 2.8 million tonnes of carbon annually from the atmosphere—about 1.7 per cent. of UK and 0.04 per cent. of global CO2 emissions. They will continue to contribute in future, by providing renewable energy and construction materials as well as simple removal. Over half our woodlands are in upland areas.