We need to find solutions to the problem of high levels of carbon dioxide emissions. A number of solutions are being proposed, but one of the most promising is that of using willow trees as a fuel for generating electricity. There are many environmental advantages in using willow. Burning wood has the environmental advantage that in doing so one releases into the atmosphere only as much carbon dioxide as the trees themselves absorbed. In addition, plantations of willows will not only support the insects on which song birds feed but also, being trees that thrive in wet areas, they will help to conserve our threatened wetlands. Other countries such as Sweden have already recognised the advantages of using willow for fuel. We should follow their example.