Last month I was proud to bring the Climate and Ecology Bill back to Parliament. The climate and nature crisis is affecting people’s lives right now, especially in the global south, but increasingly here in the UK as well. I believe – and I know many in Hallam do, too – that we cannot tackle the climate crisis without saving our key ecosystems, restoring habitats and protecting our much-loved species. But despite the efforts of groups championing nature–based solutions in our region – such as the Bentley Ings Pumping station, Lady Canning’s Plantation, or the Yorkshire Peat Partnership – the UK’s critical carbon sinks and stores are deteriorating. In some cases, they have even become net carbon emitters rather than sinks and stores.
Current legislation contains a target to halt and reverse this decline of nature by 2030. However, the absence of any concrete plan to do this means that the state of nature is on course to worsen – not restore – pushing ecosystems beyond danger points from which they may not be able to recover. That is why this Bill – drafted by many of Britain’s leading climate and ecology scientists, and supported by MPs from all major parties and people across the country – is such an important piece of legislation. It is the only piece of proposed or existing legislation that would tackle the intertwined crises of climate and nature together to ensure a strong, integrated response. If enacted, it would create a joined-up strategy to cut emissions in line with the 1.5°C target, while halting and reversing nature loss by 2030.
This Bill would also create a temporary nature and climate assembly, made up of a representative sample of the UK population to consider expert advice and reports on recommendations for inclusion in the strategy. From working with people across Sheffield Hallam to build the Hallam Citizens’ Climate Manifesto, our vision for climate action locally and nationally, I know the importance of democracy in the transition to net zero. This is in part why I am particularly proud to be championing this Bill, which puts people at the centre of this decision making.
If you would like to hear more about my work on the Climate and Ecology Bill, or get involved in the campaign, please get in touch.• You can watch my speech here and read my piece for Labour List here and Yorkshire Post here. I’ve also written this with Caroline Lucas and Wera Hobhouse for World Environment Day.
