One Planet News: Why Politics Are Harming the Fight Against Climate Change
By Annette J Beveridge
I have been studying climate change for years - as a writer, and as an environmentalist. It is becoming impossible to ignore the changes, both here in the UK and globally. But why does it seem as if the fight to protect against the extremes of climate change is fizzling out?
Bad politics
The evidence is rooted in science and yet, climate change is becoming increasingly politicised. Here in the UK, political parties such as Reform UK call efforts to make important changes to adapt to or to halt climate change ‘Net Stupid Zero’. This constant derision of these important issues has the potential to harm all of us. So why do it?
Follow the money
Donations from fossil fuel companies are likely to play a huge part in this. This and disinformation campaigns make the gullible or naive in life think it is a hoax.
I always say that politics is important and especially so when it comes to environmental issues. Because if you have the wrong people in power, the whole of the country stands to lose out. As an intelligent species, sadly, many have been all too prepared to bury their heads in the sand but collective ignorance doesn't make the problem go away.
We should be able to trust our politicians to do the right thing which must be about protecting this country.
We all know the risks. Severe climate change could stop the economy and our way of life in the short term. Think about it, fire, drought, floods, heatwaves - all these weather systems have the power to disrupt traffic, impact food security, and affect health etc. If you are in the UK, do you remember those blisteringly hot summer days and where the nighttime temperatures made it too uncomfortable to sleep?
In the long term, our whole way of life could change dramatically. If we cannot produce enough food here? What then?
Lagging behind
But in respect of nature, the UK is behind the schedule with its Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP25) which is designed to protect 30% of the UK’s land and seas by 2030. The aim is to improve species abundance, restoring habitats and ecosystems.
Nature recovery was supposed to be at the heart of policy but ask any nature enthusiasts, or conservationists if that is working, they are likely to say no.
The loss of nature
The UK is so greatly nature depleted with biodiversity fragmented. There is some work to connect green spaces which is positive but there is much more to do. Some of our wildlife is listed as of great conservation concern including greenfinches, swifts, ptarmigan, and smew.
The UK Government has set a target to increase species abundance by 10% but when you consider that one third of wildlife abundance here has been lost since 1970, this target is not enough.
Overall, it is disappointing.
To improve nature and biodiversity, nature really does have to play an integral role in every decision made but it is not. Because nature cannot speak for itself, we must speak on its behalf.
Research shows that in some areas, nature decline may be slowing but the real wins come from conservation work including helping bitterns, dormice and water voles. Plus more beaver reintroductions will be improving biodiversity and wetland areas.
There is some good news, no doubt about it, but if we had a government that promoted nature and biodiversity as a core message, we would have a lot more good news to celebrate.
Accelerating pace
We know what works but politicians are slow to act and that is why we must call out the inadequacy of any government action and not be afraid to tell the truth when politicians mislead.
The real danger is when politicians take money from fossil fuel companies because what then is the incentive for them to act in our interests?