MP’S hopes to stem climate change as Sir David sends out a message of hope for our planet in 2021
AWAY from the pandemic, the start of the year has largely been focused on the UK finally going it alone as a sovereign state after Brexit.
But if you watched Sir David Attenborough’s new TV series, A Perfect Planet, last night, you will have realised that Brexit has not ended debate on climate change, an issue that has been raised in this newspaper by Burton’s MP Kate Griffiths.
In a speech on New Year’s Day, Sir David offered a message of hope over climate change. The naturalist, now 94, believes the coming 12 months could bring “positive change” after a year to forget.
But he stressed the need to take action “has never been more urgent”, words that will chime with those of Ms Griffiths, who last year, in her column in the Burton Mail, made clear she shared Sir David’s concerns about the planet.
The veteran broadcaster said in his speech: “I am speaking to you from my home, because like many of you I have spent much of the last year indoors, away from friends, family and access to the natural world. It has been a challenging few months for many of us, but the reaction to these extraordinary times has proved that when we work together, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
“Today we are experiencing environmental change as never before, and the need to take action has never been more urgent.”
Looking ahead to world leaders gathering in Glasgow for the United Nations Climate Change Conference, he described the coming months as a “crucial moment in our history”.
He said: “This could be a year for positive change, for ourselves, for our planet and for the wonderful creatures with which we share it. A year the world could remember proudly and say ‘we made a difference’. As we make our new year’s resolutions, let’s think about what each of us can do. What positive changes can we make in our own lives? Here’s to a brighter year ahead. Let’s make 2021 a happy new year for all the inhabitants of our perfect planet.”
In her column last September, Ms Griffiths said: “One of the biggest challenges we face today is protecting the environment from climate change.
“The effects of climate change in the UK most obviously manifest themselves in the form of flooding and extreme weather conditions, so to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we must stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere as soon as possible. To this effect the Government has legislated for the UK to be the first major economy to commit to net zero emissions by 2050.
“So how do we reach this goal? Prioritising public transport and investing £2 billion to boost walking and cycling, which are beneficial to health as well as cutting traffic congestion and improving air quality, are all positive steps in the right direction. A commitment to phasing out the use of coal by 2024, doubling of our international climate finance and a £3 billion Green Homes Fund form part of an economic recovery package that seek to address these issues. “In addition, the Government is introducing three landmark pieces of legislation. The Environment Bill, putting in place legally binding targets to reverse the decline in nature, the Agriculture Bill, ensuring that farmers will no longer be supported based on how much land they farm but according to the benefits they provide such as environmental improvements, and the Fisheries Bill which commits to sustainable fishing and marine conservation.
“The Government continues to build on its strong record on the environment, recognising that pre
This could be a year for positive change for our planet and the creatures we share it with.
Sir David Attenborough
serving our planet for future generations must be a priority.”
Ms Griffiths has condemned the tactics deployed by the group Extinction Rebellion, while making clear it is vital to tackle climate change and nature loss but only if this is done constructively.
Ms Griffiths added in her column: “We know that there is more to do to reach the 2050 goal but it is important that everyone is brought with us. That is why the Government has doubled climate finance for developing countries, brought forward the phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars, and increased funding for home insulation.
“However, it is only by working together will we be able to build back a greener and more sustainable economy.”
A Perfect Planet, which returns this Sunday on BBC One at 8pm, was four years in the making and filmed in 31 countries on six continents. For those who missed it last night, the programme can be viewed on iplayer. Kate Griffiths’ columns for the Burton Mail can be read on her website at www.kategriffiths.org.uk.