We're one of a number of organisations who has written to Government Ministers about the need for Scottish farming to become carbon neutral. Jim Densham, our Senior Land Use Policy Officer, fills us in.
Open letter calls for transition to carbon-neutral farming
We have signed an open letter addressed to Government Ministers calling on them to drive a just transition to carbon-neutral farming by 2050. The letter has been signed by 50 farmers, businesses, organisations, individuals and charities with interests ranging from farming, crofting and food, to wildlife, the environment and climate change. You can download a copy of it at the end of this blog, and The Sunday Herald ran an article on the letter yesterday which you can read here.
Farmers and crofters can help halt climate change by adopting carbon-neutral farming systems and practices. Such action can help farmland wildlife at the same time; the benefits go hand in hand. RSPB Scotland wants to see the countryside managed in ways which minimise climate emissions (to help birds affected now by the impacts of climate change), and provide habitats for farmland wildlife as the climate changes. Many habitats, such as farm woodlands and peatlands have the added benefit of naturally taking CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it away in soils and vegetation, thereby helping to balance the unpreventable emissions which come from growing food on the land.
The letter shows that there is widespread demand for Government to take action and put in place a strong suite of policies. Those who have signed want policies which make the transition to these systems the obvious choice for all farmers and crofters. What we need now is Ministers to listen to these 50 voices and help drive the transition, especially using the forthcoming Climate Change Bill to put in place the laws, policies and targets needed. We will continue to work closely with those who have signed the letter to maintain the pressure on Government in the months ahead. Find out more about the Climate Bill campaign on the website of our partner Stop Climate Chaos Scotland.