Carbon forestry in the United Kingdom : potential for carbon capture in climate change mitigation through Woodland Carbon Code

Abstract

This thesis explores the important role of carbon forestry in the United Kingdom through Woodland Carbon Code scheme as a sustainable approach to mitigating climate change. The growing concerns surrounding climate change, excessive greenhouse gas emissions and set out national targets have led to the re-evaluation of forestry practises in the UK. Forests have been recognized as major carbon sinks, helping to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, contributing to the nation’s pathway towards Net Zero 2050.

The research combines a statistical data analysis of Woodland Carbon Code Projects between years 2011-2023 and a comprehensive review of existing literature and publications. The results indicate that through a significant growth of number of Woodland Carbon Code projects over the years, the scheme has become a tool contributing to the UK commitment towards the Paris Agreement and Net Zero Target in 2050, however, it may not be enough to reach the desired levels of sequestration in time. Additionally, the results point out several threats, weaknesses, and possible opportunities to the Carbon Forestry in the UK to be considered in rapidly changing world and ever-increasing climate change. The finding of incorporating agroforestry into the program being one of the solutions for addressing climate change as well as promoting a sustainable future.

In conclusion, this thesis highlights the need for continued improvement in research and policy development, the more projects are implemented, the more our environment changes. More importantly, it brings attention back to the core reminding everyone that the most effective way to tackle the emission problem in the first place is to pressure the UK government to change carbon emission policies for sustainable future.