Trees are very efficient at absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and locking it up in wood
and in forest soils through a process known as carbon sequestration. This leads to reduced greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Carbon offsetting, through tree planting
can therefore be part of the solution to the problem of global climate change caused by
increasing atmospheric carbon levels – but only ever part of the solution. There is not enough
land available to offset all of our carbon emissions and the long-term storage of carbon is
dependent on the management of the trees and absence of naturally occurring events such
as fires. Furthermore, carbon offsetting does not reduce the actual emissions of greenhouse
gases into the atmosphere so leaves the cause of the problem unchallenged.

Our message is that before offsetting, action must be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and that offsetting should be the final resort to be used for unavoidable carbon dioxide emissions.
We promote the following steps for action:

1. Reduce activities that release carbon in to the atmosphere
2. Choose lower energy consuming alternatives
3. Use renewable energy/resources
4. Offset any emissions remaining after 1, 2 and 3

Climate change will mean a radical change in our lifestyles and will require people to make
a real connection to the problem. Although tree planting alone cannot solve the problem of
climate change, it is a part of the solution and can provide a starting point for an examination
of a range of related issues including adapting to climate change, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. These may lead to lifestyle changes at home, in the workplace and in the way we do business. It also serves as a useful ‘currency’ for quantifying how we measure carbon emissions.

Tree planting and woodland habitat creation also have wider environmental benefits including:

• Raising awareness about the implications of our actions today;
• Reducing the heat island effect for urban areas during hot periods by providing
  shade and cooling;
• Reducing cooling energy demands (which are set to increase with a warmer climate)
  in adjacent buildings;
• Providing a sustainable raw material and ‘carbon neutral’ fuel for the future;
• Providing a key tool in the sustainable management of surface waters, flooding
  and soil erosion;
• Reducing noise pollution;
• Improving air quality;
• Helping counter the damage that has resulted from deforestation around the world;
• Connecting fragmented habitats to increase biodiversity.

Tree planting is only ever part of the solution, not a solution in itself, which needs to be seen
in the context of the multiple benefits which it brings including bridging the divide between
a complex environmental problem and individual action.