No Chance of UK Reaching Tree Planting Targets According to Confederation of Forest Industries

In 2019, the UK Government pledged to reach 30,000 hectares (115 square miles) of new planting by the end of 2024. That’s the equivalent of between 90 million and 120 million trees per year, depending on the density of the planting.

The government's tree planting target is part of its mission to reach net zero emissions by 2050. This is due to the ability of trees to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and absorb it over a long period, thus helping reduce the effects of climate change.

However, The Confederation of Forest Industries, which represents 1,500 UK forestry businesses, said in a statement there was "zero chance" of the government achieving its target.

The government has said they believe they’re on track to meet the target but have acknowledged there is more that needs to be done.

Despite receiving criticism, the government has been making waves for a greener future. Earlier on in the year, the VAT on solar panels and heat pumps was scrapped to zero for the next five years. Switching to solar will not only help reduce carbon emissions but since 2011, the cost of solar panels has dropped by a staggering 50% and could save homeowners £330 a year on energy bills. That’s a whopping £6,600 over 20 years.

This is in addition to the plans from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who has begun plans to decarbonise the London Underground and become 100% renewable. It's hoped that by decarbonising the tube, a whole wave of green solutions will sweep across the nation. Other cities might follow suit to ensure their public transport is more sustainable.

There was also news that as of 15th June 2022, electric vehicle charging points are to be installed in new residential buildings. With record prices of petrol and diesel unlikely to drop anytime soon, investing in an electric vehicle could help save you hundreds each year and benefit the environment. After all, charging an EV is much cheaper than filling up a conventional petrol or diesel car. In fact, making use of a home charging point is much cheaper than using public charging points.

For anyone buying a new build property, they will have the benefit of being able to use a charger at home without having to pay for the installation. There are grants available for homeowners to install these, which will make it cheaper. However, having the capability already handy on a property will benefit homeowners of the future.

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