EXTINCTION EVENT FEAR
SINCE 1970, wildlife populations of fish, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles around the world have more than halved (58%), and sadly at a rate that shows no sign yet of slowing down.
This isn’t just an issue impacting the rest of the world – in the UK, many of our own species are witnessing a shocking decline in numbers, with many at risk of extinction.
That’s why, as a WWF Global Ambassador and a parent, I’m asking everyone to come together and Wear It Wild on Friday, October 20, to help WWF protect our precious wildlife and their habitats.
We’re losing species at a rate consistent with a sixth mass extinction event.
The thought that in my lifetime we could lose so many species, including some of our most iconic, such as tigers, elephants and polar bears, is incredibly shocking.
I can’t stand by and watch this happen. I’m determined to help change this trend but I need your help to do it.
The good news is that there’s still time, there’s still hope.
While since the beginning of the 20th century, we’ve lost over 95 % of the world’s wild tiger population, recent figures show that since 2010 the estimated number of wild tigers has risen from 3,200 to 3,900 thanks to the tireless efforts of governments and conservation organisations, such as WWF and our partners.
This is the first time in conservation history that wild tiger numbers have increased.
For the third year, WWF is challeng- ● ing the nation to Wear It Wild and don animal-inspired fancy dress and raise money.
As little as £5 can help train sniffer dogs to track down tiger poachers. £20 can help researchers better understand the impact of climate change on wildlife like polar bears. £120 could pay for a camera to help monitor wild giant pandas.
Everyone can take part in Wear It Wild on Friday, October 20.
Simply visit: wwf.org.uk/wearitwild, dress up and donate to help protect our planet and its wildlife.
Don’t forget to share #WearItWild so we can see what you have planned.
Our industry desperately needs more of the construction apprentices Mr Corbyn mentioned in his speech to be the skilled workers of tomorrow.
Our members, thousands of small businesses across the UK, are united in wanting to see many more young people being trained to higher skill levels.
They also recognise the importance of being able to upskill our existing workforce.
Though robot bricklayers may be a way off yet, we know that, like other sectors, ours will need to innovate and adapt, continuing to develop the traditional skilled trades, while adapting to and incorporating new technologies from low carbon building to greater digitalisation.
To achieve the high skilled, high productivity economy, which Mr Corbyn and his team are calling for, will require a Government and public sector institutions, working with small businesses across the country, especially in key sectors like construction.
Plans for investment in skills and a network of regional investment banks, which could potentially improve access to finance for small firms, are all ideas which could receive widespread support from within the business community.
But if the voices of our members and others are not heard, if business and Government are working at cross-purposes, then the likelihood of such investment and innovation being successful is very slight.
We need to hear much more from Mr Corbyn and his team in the coming months and years as to how they plan to work with business large, and small, to make sure that we have the right skills, the right infrastructure and the right investment to deliver the vision of a post-Brexit British economy that they are describing.