“Ambitious new targets for carbon emissions will be easier to achieve with widespread timber use”
Earth Day was 22 April 2021, and this year, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had a fitting message to send to the world: The UK has updated its carbon cutting pledge, and now intends to reduce emissions by 78% as soon as 2035. This, the Sixth Carbon Budget, is a big step forward from the UK’s previous commitment of slashing carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
The updated promise comes amid stark warnings that countries around the world will have to step up their goals on carbon emissions over the next ten years if they want to limit a rise of temperature below 2C, as put forth in the Paris Agreement. The UK’s new target is in line with the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee – a good place to be, prior to Mr Johnson’s address at the opening session of the US Leader’s Summit on Climate.
But what does all this have to do with timber?
The updated target is good news for those of us in the timber business, whether we’re people who sell it, or people who work with it. The reason for that is simple: timber is an integral part of most sensible decarbonisation plans. At present, we are still waiting to find out exactly what the government’s road map to 2035 is – but details will no doubt be forthcoming soon, and timber may well be a part of them.
Regardless of the government’s plans, we can all make a positive difference to the environment if we champion the use of timber. Timber acts as a carbon capture and storage device, removing greenhouse gasses from the air and locking them up safely. And that’s in addition to its host of other benefits, such as natural beauty and scientifically proven improvement of mental health and wellbeing.
Quercus has a wide range of sustainably sourced timbers available for almost any project. If your customers have something in mind, we are always willing to share our knowledge with you, and help you find a timber that’s perfect for it. Just call us on 0845 50 50 311 or drop us a line on our contact page to make an order.