Nature is being forgotten in the climate change debate

Join a national effort to improve the environment

Jan 31, 2023 9:22 AM(Has been updated 9:31 am)

Conservatives want to leave our environment in better condition than we inherited it. The air is as clean as the water we enjoy. We shine a spotlight on the issue and force the industry to act. We have initiated a transformation of financial support for landowners and farmers (earth’s original friends). We are responsible for stewardship of our lush and comfortable lands and the food on our tables. We also want everyone to have access to green and blue spaces within a 15 minute walk of their home. Getting in touch with nature in our towns and cities is as precious as enjoying the beautiful countryside.

But for too long nature has been taken for granted and used freely as a resource with little thought of its consequences. I’m here. it should be reversed. We must respect and protect nature. I know we still have a lot of work to do to restore nature and be on par with you.So today, I Environmental improvement planThis includes all short and long term goals. Most importantly, halt the decline of nature by 2030. Other goals on air, water, waste, trees, sea protection, and green space expansion will help achieve that.

In government, through the obligation of all parts of government to help conserve and enhance biodiversity, we embed nature in the heart of the decisions we make based on the environmental principles we have set. We have to accelerate and step up on many fronts. I am determined to intervene further when necessary and use the means and power necessary to deliver this decade with targeted action, monitored by data and dashboards, and driven by targets. I’m here.

This is a national effort. We need your help, as well as the help of local councils, agencies and governments. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a desire to reconnect with nature, but has hindered our progress towards reuse and a circular economy. Recycling rates are declining and need to be restored. I want to work with local governments to do more to make the air cleaner, the streets litter free, and recycling simpler and easier.This biodiversity net benefit approach Through, developers create new natural habitats as they build the homes we want and need.

This is also an international effort. The world has grappled with climate change, but for too long nature has been treated as a bystander, a Cinderella. The UK took its stance at Cop26 by bringing nature to the heart of Glasgow’s climate action, when the Prime Minister said at Cop27 that “there is no solution to climate change without protecting and restoring nature”. was emphasized. At the recent UN Nature Summit, the UK played a key role in securing a global consensus to protect nature. Strengthened by our scientific expertise and financial support, we are already helping the natural world around the world. We will continue to do so as impacts elsewhere may affect us here in the UK.

Whether you live in a city or town, in the countryside or on the coast, join us in our nationwide efforts to improve the environment. Nature needs our help accelerated if we want to enjoy it for generations to come. Together we can achieve this.

Therese Coffey is the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.