Blaming population growth is unjust

I READ with great empathy and sadness Paul Tamblyn’s account of the problems afflicting those who grow trees.

However, I cannot agree with his conclusions.

The massive destruction of rain forests in Brazil is a huge threat, adding to the growing climate emergency.

I accept that British tree planting cannot replace these losses, but every single tree is beneficial.

Furthermore, if we are to influence other countries we must lead by example in all aspects of protection of the planet.

I strongly dispute the suggestion that population growth in countries such as the Philippines is the major

cause of the environmental crisis facing us.

The greatest threat to the climate and the environment comes from consumption of fossil fuels and natural resources.

Population growth is almost exclusively associated with extreme poverty and poor education.

People living in such conditions have far lower per capita environmental impacts through consumption than those in rich countries.

For example, the USA houses just 4% of the world’s population but generates 15% of global carbon emissions.

There is a growing tendency to

blame population growth for climate change, but it is unjust and blame shifting of this type will do nothing to address the global crisis we face.

It behoves each and every one of us to do what we can.

Coming back to Mr Tamblyn’s problems, I strongly suggest he lobbies his fellow farmer and Cornishman, Secretary of

State for The Department for Environment, Food and Rural

Affairs (Defra) George Eustice, for urgent government action in the face of growing threats to Britain’s woodlands.

Terry Riordan via email