In support of the Climate and Nature Bill
I’m delighted to pledge my support for the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) being proposed by Zero Hour, with the backing of an impressive roster of 1,373 MPs, peers, mayors, scientists and organisations.
Here are the key proposals of the CAN, and why I wholeheartedly support them:
● Creates a joined-up plan—the crises in climate and nature are deeply intertwined, requiring a plan that considers both together.
Nature has great capacity to heal itself, if we allow it the space and time to do so. We can draw down carbon dioxide by greening our cities, improving agricultural soils, and growing food in regenerative ways. Too often, policy fails to recognise the interconnections in systems of all kinds, so I applaud the CAN for recognising we need a joined-up approach.
● Cuts emissions in line with 1.5°C—ensuring UK emissions are reduced rapidly, for the last chance of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
This graph from the Net Zero briefing says it all: “it’s not when we reach net zero that matters – it’s the path we take”. It makes, quite literally, a world of difference.
● Not only halts, but also reverses the decline in nature—setting nature measurably on the path to recovery by 2030.
Very much in tune with the Lib Dem plan to “double nature”: doubling the size of the Protected Area Network, doubling the area of most important wildlife habitats, and doubling the abundance of species.
● Takes responsibility for our overseas footprint—both emissions and ecological.
This has been a big shortcoming in past measurements. Over the last few decades, British manufacturing has become all but extinct as we outsourced much of the production of goods to China. We then patted ourselves on the back for reducing CO2 emissions, while pointing the finger at China for being the dirty man of the world. Similar story with mining operations. It’s patently unfair to blame and shame other countries for emissions and pollution incurred for our benefit.
● Prioritises nature in decision-making, and ends fossil fuel production and imports as rapidly as possible.
It’s been 9 years now since Wales introduced its Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. We need something similar in the rest of the UK – legislation that puts nature front and centre, and takes a long term perspective to make sure we don’t compromise the ability of future generations to enjoy the same benefits that we have.
We need to remember that we are not separate from nature – we are part of it. And that the economy is here to serve us – we are not here to serve it, with nature as collateral damage.
● Ensures no-one is left behind—through fairness provisions.
Lib Dems are all about a fairer deal. Environmental concern mustn’t be a luxury reserved for the chattering classes – we all deserve to enjoy access to nature, and we all share responsibility for taking good care of it.
● Involves the public—giving people a say in finding a fair way forward through a Climate & Nature Assembly, an essential tool for bringing the public along with the unprecedented pace of change required.
I’m a huge advocate of Citizens’ Assemblies. Take a representative cross-section of society, bring in experts to share accurate information, and facilitate a discussion until the assembly arrives at a set of recommendations. It worked really well in Ireland on the abortion question. When it comes to potentially contentious issues that affect us all, Citizens Assemblies are, in my view, without a doubt the best way to arrive at robust and inclusive policies, while minimising the unintended consequences that too often arise from elitist groupthink.
Nature and sustainability are too important to leave to party politics. We need cross-party support so that policies transcend political polarisation. I’ve been very troubled by recent attempts here to make the environment a political wedge issue. The US has gone down that path, and it’s not going to end well.
Preserving our natural world is not optional. We need to draw a line in the sand to say we commit to making the necessary changes. We can’t kick the can down the road any longer. The time for action is now.
Please join me in pledging your support for the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN) being proposed by Zero Hour, by clicking on the link here. Together, we can do this!
Note: I have pledged to support the CAN Bill. The Zero Hour website warns that it may take them up to a week to update the site to reflect this, but rest assured, my pledge is made.
Other News
Tickets are now on sale for a summer garden party at the home of Laurence and Jackie Llewellyn Bowen near Cirencester. Early bird price ends 30th April!
Next Friday I shall be attending a screening of Six Inches of Soil at the Royal Agricultural University. I hope to see you there!
Last Friday I was at Cirencester Pantry, a genuinely fabulous organisation that reduces food waste while giving access to good food. It’s not means-tested, unlike food banks, so people of any income bracket can participate. We need more pantries like this across the country – 10 million tons of food go to waste in the UK every year, which is just insanely wasteful, not to mention detrimental to the environment.
Last night I spoke at the Sheepscombe Women’s Institute, and next week I’ll be at the Kemble & Ewen WI and Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School, as well as at London Business School. Also speaking today at Farmor’s School in Fairford. My vocal chords are working overtime!
Campaign Notes
To keep up to date with me and my campaign, please follow me on Facebook. Or on LinkedIn, if that’s more your style.
We’re always keen to welcome more campaigners to our team to help with deliveries and/or doorknocking. Please consider lending us an hour or two a month. Email my wonderful Campaign Organiser, Poppy Fair, for more details.
We are also looking for financial support. Every pound matters – even the price of a weekly latte would help. If you’re ready for positive change in the South Cotswolds, please put your money where your mouth is by hitting Reply to this email, and I’ll let you know how. Thank you! 🙏
Quote(s) of the Week
“When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”
― John Muir
Have a great week!
Photo by Sam Knight on Unsplash