09 September 2008
Saving the World's Peatlands and Forests should be Priority No.1
 Simon Wolfson is one of the youngest and most highly regarded business leaders in the UK. He makes a valid case for investing in carbon reductions in the most cost effective way - through preservation of forests and peat lands. This is not the solution alone but certainly one that should be given priority.
Woolfson Article.pdf
As an example, the minimum cost of nuclear or renewable energy per tonne is said to be $146 against that of preserving forests at just $3 per tonne and preserving peatlands at $0.1 per tonne. It begs the question over whether Guernsey would be better off focusing it efforts and finances on offsetting via these means, rather than spending vast amounts on nuclear power links to Europe or indeed local renewable energy if it wishes to optimise the effectiveness of the money spent to reduce their global contribution of CO2 emissions. Of course concentrating on reducing energy waste and improving efficiency must continue to be addressed. Speaking as a strong proponent of tidal energy generation in Guernsey it's difficult to ignore this point. Ideally we should pursue both avenues.
See complete research document: The Root of the Matter: Carbon Sequestration in Forests and Peat Lands. Policy Exchange, London
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