How New UK Laws on Climate and Nature Will Strengthen Environmental Protection

Scientists studying our climate and biodiversity often focus on understanding how our planet operates and how to combat environmental issues. For the last three years, we have worked closely with lawmakers in the UK, pushing for better policies to address the ongoing environmental crisis. We’ve identified key gaps in national legislation that we believe hinder effective action.

This week marks a crucial point for the future of the UK. On January 24, the climate and nature bill will be debated in parliament. This bill has garnered significant support, especially during our recent briefing for MPs. The outcome of this discussion will be pivotal.

So, what does this bill propose? It aims to embed international climate targets into UK law, tackle emissions linked to imports, ensure a fair transition to a greener economy, and establish a citizens’ assembly for climate and nature. This legislation is essential as we urgently need to enhance our efforts to counter rapid environmental changes.

The challenges we face are severe. The UN’s climate authority, the IPCC, has often underestimated the severity of climate impacts. The UK is experiencing more extreme weather than anticipated. In 2021, the likelihood of temperatures exceeding 40°C by 2040 was minimal, yet in 2022, that threshold was surpassed. This extreme heat is already affecting our economy, contributing to rising food prices due to climate-related disruptions.

Additionally, the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Reports indicate that England might struggle to meet its biodiversity targets by 2030. The rapid loss of biodiversity endangers our food security, water quality, and overall health.

These crises are deeply connected. To tackle climate change effectively, we need to address biodiversity loss simultaneously. Healthy ecosystems are vital as they help absorb carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Conversely, unchecked emissions lead to further environmental damage, creating a harmful cycle. For example, recent floods in the UK and a poor harvest in England were worsened by degraded ecosystems that could not manage extreme weather.

The UK has made some promising international commitments regarding climate change and biodiversity, but these are not yet part of our domestic laws. As it stands, UK carbon budgets allow emissions that exceed international targets. Furthermore, though there are agreements to reduce methane emissions, they haven’t been translated into national legislation.

On top of this, there is no current law that addresses both climate and nature together. This is problematic, as focusing on one issue can inadvertently worsen the other. For example, establishing biofuel plantations can harm local wildlife and reduce biodiversity.

Failing to meet our international commitments lowers the UK’s reputation globally, limiting opportunities for collaboration and support. However, addressing climate change and nature depletion effectively can have positive outcomes. It can help stabilize food prices, reduce flooding, improve air quality, and create jobs in green sectors.

Environmental policies have often been short-sighted. A strong legislative framework that lasts beyond changing governments is crucial for progressing on these issues. A solid climate and nature bill will provide a clear plan of action, inspiring innovation and economic growth while safeguarding vulnerable communities through a just transition.

This bill represents our choice: to actively protect our planet and future generations or to ignore the signs and face dire consequences. We have the knowledge and tools we need; now we must act.