Reversing nature’s decline ‘must become top priority’
BIRDGIRL Mya-Rose Craig has asked Rishi Sunak to meet her in a “life-or-death mission” to reverse the country’s ecological decline.
Just 53 per cent of our biodiversity remains, making us one of the world’s most depleted nations.
Some 70 million birds have vanished from our skies in the past 50 years. Now ornithologist MyaRose, 21, wants legal action.
In a heartfelt video message to the Prime Minister, she said: “I’ve seen first-hand the loss of nature around the world and, in particular, here at home.
“Our British countryside and our beloved species, habitats and ecosystems are in danger.
“I’m calling on your Government to reverse nature’s decline by 2030, instead of only halting the decline of species – which is what you are currently aiming to do.
“And I’m calling on you to deliver the nature-positive future that you have promised.”
She added: “Will you meet with me to discuss this?
“We need new, legally binding nature targets to ensure we restore the natural world we all love and need. Rishi Sunak, the country is watching and waiting. Thousands of citizens are calling on you to take action.”
Mya-Rose is believed to be the youngest person in the world to have seen half the globe’s bird species. The activist, from Bristol, also set up Black2Nature to give ethnic minorities equal access to the wonders on our doorsteps.
She said the Climate and Ecology Bill – reintroduced in the House of Commons on May 10 – provides a “golden opportunity” to halt the decline.
Nearly 13,000 people have joined her call by signing Zero Hour’s United for Nature petition.
Mya-Rose went on: “Nature has some champions in Parliament.
“But there’s no urgency, passion or plan to get on with the literal life-or-death mission of halting and reversing nature’s destruction by 2030. This needs to be a top priority...the fight against climate catastrophe cannot be won without our strongest ally – nature itself.”
The Daily Express Green Britain Needs You campaign has been urging everyone to do their bit for the planet.
Chef and broadcaster Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, 58, said: “Across our beloved British countryside, in our towns and in our cities, nature is degrading fast.
“We need to send the Government a clear signal that nature restoration must happen and must happen now.
“If we can stand united for nature, working to bring about real change, all is not lost.” ● To sign the United for Nature petition, visit zerohour.uk/u4n