Air, land, and water – whether salt or fresh – are all under attack. We must mitigate the damage being done, restore nature, and, where necessary, adapt as the planet faces these challenging times.

The UK is the fifth most nature-depleted country on earth. As the fifth largest economy, we must make a commensurate contribution to solving the problem.

Balancing Climate Action with the Cost of Living Crisis

We must also be mindful of the cost of living crisis. To be effective in our fight against climate change, we need a “just” transition that levels up society. Climate action should help reduce the cost of living and include everyone in this journey.

The Need for Good Governance in Climate Change Efforts

Effective climate action requires good governance. Targets must be set, performance measured, and progress monitored to ensure we are on the right track. If we fall short, remedial action must be taken.

It’s an emergency, and we need to speed up our efforts fivefold if we are to win this battle.

Anticipating Climate Changes by 2034

By 2034, it is likely that our rainfall will last longer, rivers will burst their banks more frequently, and the west of the country will suffer more. We will face more frequent severe weather events, possibly more wet than dry. For every degree the atmosphere warms, its ability to hold moisture grows by 7%. Over a dozen storms last year caused destruction to roads and infrastructure, and flooded farmers’ fields, endangering our food supplies.

Therefore, water management is essential.

Key Areas for Water Management:

1. Flooding – Adaptation: Developing strategies to cope with increased flooding.
2. River Quality: Addressing run-off from farms, sewage from combined sewer outflows, and minerals (especially lead from old mines) that pollute rivers like the Nidd.
3. Sewage Management: Changing our approach to both raw and processed sewage to prevent it from entering our rivers. New solutions are needed, such as attenuating surface water flows that overwhelm sewage processing plants. An example is in the southeast, where water companies are adding water butts to all houses that can have one fitted.

Addressing the Influence of the Fossil Fuel Industry

The fossil fuel industry still enjoys significant financial support and political influence. Reports of lobbying and financial ties between fossil fuel companies and UK politicians highlight a complex relationship that affects policy decisions.

While the UK is making strides towards increasing renewable energy capacity and reducing emissions, substantial government incentives and political influences still favour fossil fuels, complicating the transition to a fully decarbonized energy system.

My Advocacy:

• Levelling the playing field between renewables and fossil fuels.
• Incentivising renewable clean energy generation, which is clearly the future. This will make the UK energy-secure and give the sector the certainty it needs to invest.
• Lobbying to end fossil fuel incentives, which belong to the past.

Comprehensive Climate Action Strategy:

• CO2 Emissions: Addressing emissions from energy, homes, farming, business, and transport.
• Land Restoration, Nature Recovery, and Rewilding: Restoring and protecting our natural landscapes. Empower communities to protect green spaces.
• Air Pollution: Reducing particulate matter in the air.
• Flooding and Water Management: Implementing effective water management strategies.
• Nutritious Food: Ensuring access to healthy food, in line with NHS guidelines.
• Waste Management: Promoting a circular economy to reduce waste.

By tackling these areas, we can protect our environment, combat climate change, and ensure a sustainable future for all.