Forests not green

Climate change minister Stewart Stevenson says "the rest of the world must follow" Scotland's lead in planting trees on 10,000 hectares a year to absorb and cut emissions (your report, 6 March). This is misleading.

Scottish foresters' methods, including transport, involve a net increase of greenhouse gases. Foresters do not let conifers live long enough to contribute much to carbon storage. Conifers have dark foliage that absorbs solar radiation, which increases warming. All this is documented by research.

Meanwhile, Mr Stevenson promotes the Aberdeen bypass and other roads, which increases emissions. He allows the Forestry Commission and landowners to clear-fell huge areas and to destroy native woodland for housing in Speyside and near Nairn. He allows wind farms to be built on thick peat, although peat disturbance causes big emissions. On some wind farms, immature conifers are even clear-felled to get more wind.

DR ADAM WATSON

Crathes

Banchory