Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill

A number of constituents have contacted me regarding the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.

I understand that this Bill has been developed by campaign members of Extinction Rebellion, Big Ask and Power for the People.

Let me be clear: – as Member of Parliament for Norwich North tackling climate change and protecting our environment is a priority for me.

In Norfolk, we are lucky enough to live within easy reach of beautiful beaches, countryside and local woods. Ensuring these places, which contribute to our county’s character, are still there and are thriving for future generations is something I care deeply about. I am supporting the Government’s 25-year plan, which seeks to improve the environment, so we can be the first generation to leave the environment in a better state than when we inherited it.

I am proud that the UK was the first G7 country to legislate to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. While I can understand that you want this target to be achieved sooner, and I share this desire, getting to net zero by 2050 is feasible and consistent with avoiding most damaging climate change. Aiming for zero emissions by 2030 is almost certainly impossible, hugely disruptive and risks undermining consensus. Climate change is an emotive issue, but a cross-community consensus will be required to ensure the UK achieves a transition that works for all.

I note that the Bill seeks to examine the UK’s global carbon footprint, such as indirect UK emissions in our supply chain which may affect developing countries. I am encouraged that the UK remains committed to environmentally sustainable development as set out in the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. In September 2019 the Prime Minister committed to doubling the UK’s International Climate Finance over the next five years which I hope will enable the UK to play an active part in protecting the environment and reversing biodiversity loss.

The UK is on course to protect over half of our waters. We now have 357 Marine Protected Areas of different types and no activities deemed damaging to designated features will be allowed to take place in these areas.

I’m not convinced that the idea of citizens' assemblies is better than what already exists. Previous experiences in Canada, for instance, haven’t seemed to produce impactful or long-lasting results. And surely we already have an assembly which represents people from every single part of our country, democratic, accountable and open to challenge – that’s the House of Commons. I know that a Climate Assembly UK was formed as a result of work conducted by Parliamentary Select Committees. I welcome that many of their recommendations, which were published in their report, are already either in place or in the pipeline as a result of the Government working towards net zero. Achieving net zero will affect everyone and it is important that we work together to achieve it.

So while I welcome the increased awareness and debate this Bill brings, I want to reassure you that work is already underway.

I post more here, and about my other work for Norwich North: https://www.chloesmith.org.uk/myplan/environment