In the run up to Valentine's Day, the RSPB has once again joined forces with WWF, Oxfam, the National Trust, the Women’s Institute and many other partners from The Climate Coalition to encourage people to think differently about climate change and to inspire them to act. We are asking people to Show the Love by watching and sharing a new 5 minute film featuring a letter written by Michael Morpurgo and starring Jeremy Irons and Maxine Peake (see below).
As with last year's film (here), we want to challenge people to think about how climate change will affect the things that we love the most - and for many that will include wildlife.
The 70% decline in the UK kittiwake population has been linked to climate change (Andy Hay, rspb-images.com)
Our report on the Nature of Climate Change highlighted the growing body of scientific evidence on the effects climate change is already having on Europe's wildlife. The case for action will only become more compelling as the IPCC impacts report said in 2014 "It is well-established that the geographical extent of the damage or loss, and the number of systems affected, will increase with the magnitude and rate of climate change".
The twin global challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change require systemic changes to our economy. This means decoupling growth in our prosperity from environmental harm and doing more to reflect the value of nature in decision-making.
Even though we have made progress, most recently with the Paris climate deal struck last year, there is no doubt that these are life-long challenges. Yet, dealing with them is the only way that we can learn to live in harmony with nature - the vision that is captured by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
While we will continue to make a difference through our own practical conservation work, we also want to find new ways to inspire people to change their own behaviour, while also influencing governments and business to make it easier for more people to do the right thing.
Last weekend more than half a million people spent an hour watching birds in their garden and contributing data to the world's largest wildlife survey - Big Garden Birdwatch. This week, I hope that people watch the video about climate change and sign up to show their love for the things affected by climate change.
Most importantly, I hope that these activities inspire people to act: to help give nature a home and to tackle climate change. You can find out more about the RSPB's work on climate change here.
Enjoy the film.
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