There is no longer any doubt about climate change except it is faster than the cautious scientists predicted. In fact, 97% of scientists state that global warming is due to human factors and have called it a “climate emergency”. Here and around the world we can already see the severe impact of climate change and biodiversity loss:

• Globally 2023 was the hottest year in 100,000 years both over land and the oceans.
• Droughts/heat waves are more frequent and severe. This will lead to food and water insecurity.
• Wildfires have become regular events.
• Rising temperatures produce more water vapour in the atmosphere leading to more rain, resulting in more flooding. We have just had the wettest 18 months ever in the UK.
• Ice is melting at the poles and in mountainous regions meaning that sea level is rising. It is predicted that in a few decades coastal tidal flooding will reach the outskirts of Peterborough/Cambridge.
• Ice melt is also weakening the Gulf Stream. If it stops there will be dramatic and negative changes to the UK climate (colder winters) and the Atlantic Ocean eco-system.
• The UK has lost half of its biodiversity (plants, insects and animals) since the Industrial Revolution.
• In the UK 30,000 deaths per year are attributed air pollution.

All the above will significantly change our environment and society. However, there is still hope. We can do our individual bit to support earth and community by reducing energy consumption and producing energy from green sources, reducing plastic waste, recycling, supporting wildlife and being environmentally friendly. But we cannot do it alone, we need to work in partnership with a supportive, encouraging and brave government.

A government that puts these issues centre stage and high on the list of priorities.

It is with this in mind that we ask you to think carefully about the clear and immediate climate and biodiversity threats. Please hold these crucial life sustaining factors at the forefront of your mind. Importantly, when engaging with politicians on the doorstep or even when you vote, please let them know that you prioritise the issues of the climate emergency and biodiversity loss.

https://voteclimate.uk/ is a non-political group that is organising the voting public to put green issues at the top of the campaign for all political parties.
https://www.thecommitment.uk/ is a nonpolitical group that informs parliamentary candidates about your feelings about the above issues.

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