Nature needs better protection, both here in Sheffield and Rotherham and nationally. We have a chance to do something about this, right now.
The Wildlife Trusts are part of the wider Greener UK movement, which has convinced the Government of the need for a new law – an Environment Act – to improve protection for our country’s wildlife. But not all politicians are convinced, and to make sure the law not only protects wildlife but helps it to recover, we need everyone on board.
MPs will be voting on this soon and we need them to support a strong Environment Act, because a country with more wildlife is better for everyone, wildlife and people.
Our wildlife has fewer places to find food every day – thousands of birds, insects and other animals across England are finding it harder and harder to survive. Plants and trees are under pressure too.
Nature doesn’t have an MP – but you do. Please arrange a meeting with them and help us talk to every MP by Christmas.
Critically, we need the Environment Act to give us:
Nature targets: legal targets for nature’s recovery that politicians must ultimately achieve and regularly report on progress towards e.g. safer air to breathe in our cities.
A nature recovery network: a joined-up network of habitats that provide enough space for wildlife to recover and for people to thrive.
A green watchdog: an independent body to help people challenge bad decisions made by Government and councils, which have a negative impact on wildlife and our natural environment.
How would an Environment Act help wildlife in Sheffield and Rotherham?
- Improve people’s access to nature
- Create new wild areas and wildlife corridors across our region
- Keep our existing wildlife sites safe from harm
- Protect our best wildlife habitats and species
- Improve air quality, especially in our city
- Prevent pollution of our rivers and streams
- Reduce emissions that are contributing to climate change
- Protect people’s rights to a healthy natural environment
- Avoid the loss of environmental protection laws after Brexit