Ignores climate emergency

The government plans to safeguard England’s green spaces for future generations with a consultation on the national parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to protect life-enhancing landscapes and to tackle climate change.

Environment Secretary George Eustice is initiating ‘a new chapter in the story of our protected landscapes’.

His public consultation, running to April 9, will drive plans for a nature recovery.

Local leaders across England will organise campaigns, events and volunteering projects to bring us closer to nature.

More than 40 per cent of people say nature, wildlife and visiting local green spaces during lockdown has now become more important than ever in supporting physical and mental health following the pandemic. But the government’s £27billion road programme will only increase carbon emissions and global heating.

The review’s author, Julian Glover, emphasises: “It won’t be enough to just try to conserve what we have inherited – we can change the story from decline to recovery by making landscapes greener, more welcoming, and full of hope.”

Michael Gove tells us the landscape review will both protect and ‘strengthen

natural areas in the face of present-day challenges’.

Covid has seen more people spending time outside. Unbroken landscapes, fighting climate change, and protecting biodiversity, is central to a sustainable life.

Mr Eustice explains: “These reforms will play a pivotal role in meeting international legal commitment to protect 30 per cent of land for biodiversity by 2030.”

The government has pledged net zero emissions by 2050 as part of its 25-year Environment Plan.

The proposed A27 Arundel Bypass recklessly ignores the climate emergency.

PETER LANSLEY Cedar Drive

Chichester