Working with forestry

Authors: Dr William Rolleston
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2012, Issue N.Z.J.For. 57(1) 2012, pp 15-17, May 2012
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

---

Abstract: If there’s something guaranteed to spark debate in farming circles, it is the three words we collectively know as the Emissions Trading Scheme. While the ETS has been coloured green and attempts made to align it with the nuclear ships issue, the fact is best farming practice is defined by efficient resource use. Enthusiasm from some quarters overlooks that many farmers are keen environmentalists. It is the mantra of many to leave the farm in better shape for the next generation than when they found it. Farmers plant trees for shelter, soil erosion, amenity and production. Farmers know the value of trees and by working on our emissions profile as farmers, it could unlock the door to new technologies and a second green revolution. I say this as a biotechnologist and as a farmer. The fact is the ETS seems to be in a state of flux. Something best emphasised in responses to an excellent analysis by the Herald’s Brian Fallow. One assumed ‘denialist’ wrote, “good to see this fatuous nonsense in all its gloriously half-witted detail. As I said at the outset of Kyoto, just wait a bit and it will all collapse under the weight of its own amazing stupidity…” A ‘warmist’ strangely concurs, “I cannot see such a complex scheme working. NZ should play along with a low key version, but nothing ambitious until the major players are on board. Having said that climate change is real, it’s happening, and we are causing it….”

---