Nature and Climate Change - A call for Political Action

A dedicated meeting to discuss 'Climate Change: helping nature adapt' took place at all three party conferences, jointly hosted by The Wildlife Trusts and the Woodland Trust and part of the fringe 'Climate Clinic' activities. This set out the challenges to be faced and the priorities for action both at home and internationally.

The key topics were adaptation, examining how to respond to change which is already happening and which appears inevitable in the future.

Politicians must recognise the need to act and a stronger focus on adaptation in the forthcoming Climate Change Bill will be amongst the measures called for by both partners. They also spell out the need for a policy framework which promotes habitat protection, restoration and re-creation to give nature the greatest chance of survival in the face of change.

The importance of the planning system in facilitating adaptation and the movement of species across the landscape must be addressed. Both organisations are also concerned that the Government's Planning White Paper fails to value the importance of the natural environment.

Full protection of all ancient and semi-natural habitats should be the cornerstone of adapration action. Protection itself is not enough, however, action is needed to restore and create new .....To read more Click Here