Reintroducing Wolves Could Help Scotland Combat Climate Change

Reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands could significantly contribute to climate change mitigation, according to a recent study by the University of Leeds. Researchers found that wolves, by preying on red deer, would enable forests to regenerate naturally, leading to large-scale carbon sequestration.

Scotland’s red deer population has grown unchecked since wolves were eradicated 250 years ago. Their heavy grazing prevents tree regrowth, degrading ecosystems. By modeling a predator-prey dynamic, scientists estimated that introducing 167 wolves across key regions—including the Cairngorms and Central Highlands—could curb deer numbers enough to restore native woodlands.

This reforestation could sequester around one million tons of CO2 annually—5% of the UK’s woodland carbon removal target for net-zero emissions by 2050. Researchers calculated that each wolf could contribute to an annual carbon uptake of 6,080 tons, equivalent to £154,000 in carbon value.

“There is an increasing acknowledgment that the climate and biodiversity crises cannot be managed in isolation,” said lead author Dominick Spracklen. “We need to look at the potential role of natural processes such as the reintroduction of species to recover our degraded ecosystems.”

Beyond climate benefits, wolves could also reduce deer-related problems like road collisions and tree damage while fostering ecotourism, as seen in countries that have successfully reintroduced large predators.

However, the idea remains controversial, particularly among farmers and deer stalkers concerned about economic impacts. Advocates argue that improved carbon sequestration, reduced deer cull costs, and new tourism opportunities could outweigh these concerns. Any reintroduction effort would require extensive stakeholder engagement and careful management to mitigate conflicts.

This study reinforces the potential of nature-based climate solutions, showing how reintroducing apex predators could drive ecological restoration and carbon storage. While public support and regulatory frameworks will determine feasibility, wolf reintroduction could reshape both Scotland’s landscapes and its climate policies.