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Unprecedented Climate and Nature Bill Could Transform UK’s Environmental Future
The Climate and Nature Bill second reading is just around the corner. MPs will vote on this landmark Bill on 24th January.
Why is it important, is your MP voting on it and why should you care?
The Climate and Nature Bill represents a landmark opportunity to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through comprehensive, legally binding legislation. This ambitious bill would commit the UK to achieving both net-zero emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal and reversing nature’s decline by 2030, setting a powerful example for other nations to follow.
The Bill, which was written by scientists, experts and campaigners, was first introduced in Parliament by Caroline Lucas MP in September 2020 and now has the backing of 216 MPs and Peers representing all major political parties. The latest version, driven by campaign organisation Zero Hour, was presented to the House in September 2024 by newly elected Lib Dem Roz Savage MP.
What makes this bill particularly significant is its integrated approach. Rather than treating climate and nature as separate issues, it recognises their fundamental interconnection and proposes coordinated action on both fronts. The bill includes several groundbreaking provisions that set it apart from previous environmental legislation:
Key highlights include:
- Establishment of a representative Climate and Nature Assembly, ensuring public involvement in shaping policies that will affect everyone’s future
- Annual interim targets and robust monitoring systems to maintain steady progress
- Protection for vulnerable communities and workers during the transition, including financial support and retraining opportunities
- Comprehensive approach to emissions, addressing both domestic and imported carbon
- Concrete measures to restore and expand natural ecosystems
- Clear accountability through mandatory annual reporting to Parliament
- Requirements to avoid environmental damage in UK activities overseas
The bill’s emphasis on social justice is particularly noteworthy, with specific provisions to ensure that the transition benefits rather than burdens local communities, young people, and those with protected characteristics. This approach recognises that environmental action must be fair and inclusive to be effective.
With Parliament set to vote on this bill on January 24th, we’re at a crucial moment for UK environmental policy. This isn’t just another piece of legislation – it’s a framework for transformative action that could help secure a liveable future for generations to come.
Write to your MP!
Writing to your MP about this bill is more important than you might think. MPs need to hear from their constituents that this matters, and personal messages from voters can significantly influence their voting decisions. This will take a few minutes, with a pre-written email all ready and waiting for you: https://action.zerohour.uk/
Feel free to edit the email… emphasise why this matters to you personally – whether it’s concern for future generations, local wildlife, or the impacts of climate change you’re already seeing in your area. Ask them directly to vote for the bill on January 24th and request a response outlining their position.
The climate and nature crises aren’t waiting, and neither should we. This bill provides the comprehensive framework we need to take decisive action. Let’s make sure our MPs understand the importance of supporting it.
If your organisation is committed to the tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, why not consider entering the Global Good Awards or the Global Good Finance Awards. Entries open on 3 Feb and 3 Mar 2025. You can read the full line up of 2024 winners here.
