Apr
27

Author: Chloe Smith, Updated: 27 April 2023 14:49

Many constituents care very deeply about contributing towards helping preserve the planet, so I wanted to provide some important information on this day.

 

The Government is working hard domestically and internationally to increase climate ambition. The UK was the first major economy to set a legally binding net zero target to achieve net zero by 2050, and since then the Government has set interim targets of a 68 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 and a 78 per cent reduction in emissions by 2035, both compared to 1990 levels. These targets build on the Ten Point Plan and put the UK firmly on the path to net zero by 2050, leading the way in tackling climate change globally.

 

The Environment Act 2021 will deliver the most ambitious environmental programme of any country, protecting and enhancing our environment for future generations, ensuring that the environment is at the heart of all decisions made and that current and future Governments are held accountable if they fail to uphold their environmental duties. It contributes to meeting targets of net zero emissions by 2050, completed through fulfilling targets such as reducing emissions of five damaging air pollutants, clean and plentiful water, using resources more sustainably and efficiently, minimising waste, mitigating and adapting to climate change and enhancing biodiversity.  I was proud to use my position in Parliament to vote for it.

 

At COP15, a new deal to protect nature was agreed by almost 200 countries.  The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) includes a global commitment to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. The framework also commits to ending human-induced extinctions of known threatened species, such as rhinos and gorillas. This agreement represents a historic milestone in protecting our natural environment for future generations.

 

The official Earth Day website has outlined 52 actions and tips people can take in order to make a difference, this includes learning how to combat plastic pollution, encouraging the use of reusable bags, buying local food and switching to sustainable fashion. For further helpful tips please see the link https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-tips/

 

Finally, it is important that we all learn about climate change and the impact it is having on the environment. Young Climate Warriors is a nationwide children's charity, which supports teachers and families with high quality climate change resources. They have been awarded a Duke of Edinburgh's Award 'Approved Activity Provider Licence', which is a series of 13 weekly topics and challenges for Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award participants to help further their 'Skills Section' requirements, learning skills to live sustainably via practical guided activities. Further information can be found here https://www.youngclimatewarriors.org/d-of-e-bronze-award

 

I want our environment left in a better state than we found it for future generations. I am confident that the Government's measures will contribute towards helping care for our environment. To find out more about what action I am taking both in Norwich and Westminster for this work, please visit: https://www.chloesmith.org.uk/myplan/environment