North Ayrshire and Arran’s MP has praised the news that trees planted in the UK are mostly in Scotland.
Research from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) shows that in 2021, 10,600 hectares of trees were planted in Scotland, the equivalent of more than 14,000 football pitches, and 82 per cent of all trees planted in the UK.
By contrast, just 2,000 hectares were planted in England and only 290 hectares in Wales.
The planting of trees across the globe is a way to combat climate change.
Patricia Gibson, SNP MP, said:“In the year in which Scotland hosted the world at COP26, we continue leading on the vital steps needed to tackle the climate emergency, with our tree-planting record particularly impressive.
“Trees are vital for biodiversity and soaking up carbon.
"While countries such as Brazil pledge to end deforestation by 2030, in Scotland we are already planting thousands of hectares of trees.
“To tackle the climate emergency, all countries must do more.
“Scotland’s record on tree-planting is just one example of how we continue to punch above our weight when it comes to meeting our climate goals.”
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