Time will run out if the world fails to act on climate change
A CAMPAIGNER warned yesterday that our natural world could perish unless climate promises are backed up with action.
Mya-Rose Craig joined MPs to urge Britons to “stand united for nature” and seek a commitment from Rishi Sunak to reverse nature loss decline by 2030.
The ornithologist, 20, known as Birdgirl, spoke as the COP27 summit’s finish was delayed yesterday because nations could not agree on eco-commitments.
The UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries, with only just over half of species remaining.
Mya-Rose said: “As someone who’s grown up throughout endless COPs, I know as well as anyone the dangers of pledges without real action.
“The stakes couldn’t be higher. Look around you. Our wildlife, our food, our future prosperity – they’re all at risk.
“And if nature fails, we lose our best ally in the fight against climate change.”
Mya-Rose has joined forces with Tory MP Derek Thomas and Radiohead singer Thom Yorke to back Zero Hour’s United for Nature petition.
Mr Thomas said: “Reversing nature loss by 2030 is in line with Government policy.
“It might sound abstract, but let’s remember what it means for our everyday lives – and for our collective future.
“It means healthier farms and food security, new skills and jobs across the board. And it means better health outcomes and a boost for people’s wellbeing.”
The Daily Express Green Britain Needs You campaign has urged the Government and the public to do their bit to help make space for nature.
A survey of 12,000 people released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) yesterday, showed the public sees protecting marine environment as vital.
More than eight in 10 regard protecting the oceans from marine litter and plastic pollution as essential.
Four in five believe spending time in those environments improves mental health. And more than over half found it a good source of social and family connection.
Marine minister Lord Benyon said the Government had championed the goal of safeguarding 30 per cent of the global ocean by 2030, to help conserve marine environments that are “evidently precious to many”.
The UK announced an extra £12million for the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance at COP27 in Egypt.
You can sign Mya-Rose’s petition to the Prime Minister at zerohour.uk/u4n
Rising sea levels will speed up the erosion of Britain’s rocky coastlines within 80 years, scientists say.
Research by Imperial College London suggests they are likely to begin eroding at a rate not seen for 3,000 to 5,000 years.
It predicts rock cliffs at two sites in Yorkshire and Devon are expected to retreat by at least 10-24 yards inland.
Meanwhile, the rate of erosion is likely to be three to seven times faster than today, and potentially up to 10-fold.
Experts want rock coasts classified as high-risk areas when planning a climate change response.