Climate and Ecology Bill can point the way forward in tackling climate change challenges - Olivia Blake

We cannot tackle the climate crisis without saving key ecosystems, restoring habitats, and protecting our much-loved species. There are fantastic efforts to champion nature–based solutions in our region - in recent years I have visited such as the Bentley Ings Pumping station and Lady Canning’s Plantation, to see this first hand - but despite this, the UK's critical carbon sinks and stores are deteriorating. Some have even become net carbon emitters.

Take peatlands. People in my constituency regularly see plumes of smoke over the horizon as heather is burnt on the moors to create ideal habitats for grouse and more favourable conditions for lucrative grouse shoots. The peat underneath the heather should absorb carbon but the burning damages it, turning a carbon sink into a source of emissions.

Current legislation contains a target to halt and reverse this decline of nature by 2030. However, the absence of any concrete plan means that the situation is on course to worsen, pushing ecosystems potentially beyond recovery. Whilst Ministers have legislated to licence some burning on deep peat, they do not even have a map of where the deep peat is.

That is why this Bill – drafted by leading climate and ecology scientists and supported by thousands of people across the country – is so important. It is the only proposed legislation that would tackle the climate and nature crises together to ensure a strong, integrated response. If enacted, it would create a joined-up strategy to cut emissions in line with the 1.5°C target, while halting and reversing nature loss by 2030.

But the UK must not simply offshore environmental destruction at the expense of the global south. Putting climate justice at its heart, the Bill requires the UK to take responsibility for our emissions footprint and our overseas footprint, as well as limit total emissions to no more than its proportionate share of the remaining global carbon budget. It also states that the strategy must produce a just transition for all, protecting vulnerable communities and providing financial support for workers transitioning from fossil fuel and ecosystem-intensive industries.

From working with my constituents on the Hallam Citizens’ Climate Manifesto, our vision for climate action locally and nationally, I know the importance of democracy in the transition to net zero. That’s why the Bill would create a temporary nature and climate assembly.

Bridging the ambition gap between current emissions reductions and what is needed for 1.5°C is essential if we are serious about restoring the natural world – and it could not be more urgent. It is time we saw meaningful action from the Government. They could start by backing the Climate and Ecology Bill.

Olivia Blake is MP for Sheffield Hallam and former Shadow Minister for Climate Change.