This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Scotland's forests to help combat climate change
26/01/2006
Scotland's forests and woodlands will soon play a greater part in tackling climate change.
Ambitious emission saving targets for the forestry sector will be set for the first time, to help reduce global warming.
Forestry Minister Rhona Brankin made this announcement to the Parliament.
She also announced a commitment to develop Scotland's first Biomass Action Plan which will see more wood and crops generating energy, thus reducing the amount of more polluting fossil fuels needing burned.
Ms Brankin said:
"Climate change is the biggest environmental threat we face today. Our forests can make a significant contribution to reducing Scoland's greenhouse gas emissions and help us meet our global responsibilities. At a local level, forests can help us adapt to the impacts of climate change and protect communities.
"Our commitment to tap into Scotland's huge wood fuel resource and develop a vibrant market for energy crops will help local communities across the country meet their daily energy needs while reducing their environmental footprint and will provide green jobs in those communities."
The forestry target will be announced in the forthcoming revised Scottish Climate Change Programme, to be published Spring 2006, which will also set out the route map for the development of a national Biomass Action Plan.
The Executive is committed to having 18 per cent of electricity generated in Scotland from a range of renewable sources - including biomass - by 2010, rising to 40 per cent by 2020.