As the May local elections fast approach, RSPB Senior Policy Officer, Nat LeBrun explains how we can all use our voice to remind politicians about the issues that matter to us as voters. If your local patch of nature has mattered to you during lockdown, or the absence of it frustrated you, we urge you to use this moment when politicians are listening to demand change.
Our elected officials, whether local or national government, have the power to act, and they also have a responsibility to protect and enhance the environment for future generations. We are in the midst of a nature and climate emergency, and we need to act now. Our local leaders can help us lead the charge for nature, by establishing and advocating for greener policies, supporting green businesses, funding a green transport sector, and inspiring local communities to take action.
We want our leaders to commit to a greener future. Declaring climate emergencies isn’t enough, we want them to acknowledge that nature is in crisis as well, and take immediate action to address them. We are therefore asking for a commitment from our leaders to double the amount of nature in their regions, and ensure that this includes good quality greenspace, rich in wildlife, and accessible to the whole community.
With international climate and biodiversity summits such as COP15 and COP26 taking part this year, the latter of which we will host, it is more important than ever that our politicians take a leading role. New international deals for nature must be matched by domestic ambition to curb biodiversity loss. Our mayors and local leaders have a part to play in this, by championing a green recovery and setting out clear measurable actions to reverse the decline of species and habitats in their regions. Not just talking about it but actually making real positive change that we can all see and feel.
Nature has been a lifeline for many of us during lockdown, and more of us than ever have taken the time to get out and enjoy it. From urban parks and gardens, to rural moorland and coast, we have all found our own little slice of nature. And we all benefit from it.
In England we rely on nature for numerous goods and services that support our health, happiness, and prosperity. It can protect us from flooding and drought, slow down the devastating effects of climate change, help us pollinate our crops, and improve our health and wellbeing. The value of nature cannot be underestimated, and we need our leaders to recognise its worth and fight for its future, our future.
But to commit to this change, we need to let our leaders know what we want. So please, if this is what you want, write to your candidates and demand a future filled with nature: bit.ly/nature-rich-future