Energy crops combat global warming

23 June 2000



Energy crops ‘combat global warming’

By FWi staff

SCIENTISTS have warned the government that it needs to do more to encourage farmers to grow energy crops in a bid to counter global warming.

The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution said the British climate will markedly change unless carbon dioxide emissions are cut by 60% in 50 years.

Although the UK is already looking to cut emissions, the report says that more needs to be done to protect the interests of generations to come.

The Royal Commissions report makes 87 recommendations.

It says the government should look at replacing fossil fuels with other renewable energy sources, including wind power, solar energy and energy crops.

It adds: “Growing crops for energy purposes should be regarded as a primary use for agricultural land, and policies and support measures should reflect that.”