Why Conservatives, Not Labour, Are the True Guardians of the Environment: Zac Goldsmith’s Bold Take on Climate Action

In last week’s Budget, the government introduced a new charge of 3p per mile for drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) starting in 2028. This move undercuts its own green initiatives. If running an EV becomes costlier, fewer people will likely make the switch.

Labour has often talked about protecting England’s countryside while pushing for more housing, leading to an uncomfortable contradiction. A clearer example of this inconsistency played out at the recent COP30 summit in Brazil, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer gathered with leaders to discuss the urgent need to protect rainforests. These forests are vital. They house 80% of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity and play a key role in regulating our climate.

Right now, our forests are vanishing at an alarming rate. According to recent reports, we lose an area equivalent to about 450 football fields of forest every hour. Financial incentives to clear forests are much stronger than those for preserving them. The TFFF, or Tropical Forest Forever Facility, was announced at COP30 to support countries in safeguarding their forests. It aims to attract both government and private funding.

While countries like Norway, Germany, and France have pledged support, the UK notably backed out after initially indicating support. This has left many puzzled about the UK’s commitment to environmental protections.

In 2019, the UK government enacted a law to prevent businesses from importing commodities linked to deforestation. Yet, this law remains inactive due to a lack of follow-up legislation. Additionally, a newly passed treaty to protect large ocean areas has yet to be ratified by the Labour government.

Domestically, the situation isn’t much better. Sir David Attenborough highlighted damaging fishing practices in protected UK waters, and despite promises, little progress has been made. Moreover, a simple amendment to include “swift bricks,” which provide nesting space for birds in new homes, was rejected—evidence of misplaced government priorities.

Many believe that Labour’s focus on hitting carbon targets blinds it to the importance of preserving natural habitats. This presents a fundamental challenge: without healthy ecosystems, achieving true climate goals becomes nearly impossible.

The approach to environmental protection has historically crossed political lines. Margaret Thatcher and Boris Johnson both made strides in conservation, demonstrating that caring for the planet isn’t solely a “left-wing” issue. Thatcher famously stated that we have a responsibility to the Earth as caretakers for future generations. Under her leadership, significant environmental legislation was enacted, promoting conservation.

Today, the stakes are higher than ever. The potential impacts of failing to protect our natural spaces are dire, affecting global food supplies and economic stability. The government must prioritize nature and actively engage the public in discussions about its future.

As we navigate these challenges, it’s essential for leaders to demonstrate genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. The future of our planet depends on it.

For further insights on environmental policies and their implications, check out this report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

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