ARIANE BURGESS: Watering down climate pledges is disastrous for the environment and economy
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Highlands and Islands Greens MSP Arina Burgess has warned that 'climate change is the most urgent and complex challenge facing humanity today.' In this week's columns she argues that Rishi Sunak drawing back on some pledges is not just harmful for the environment but also for the economy.
Fifty years on from when the alarm was first raised, our climate emergency is finally being discussed and acted upon by many people.
In Scotland, from the morning news programmes to the Scottish Parliament, from Councils to community groups, people are not just talking about climate change; they are taking action in their organisations and personally to play their part in ensuring we have a future.
We have experienced our share of extreme weather. From unprecedented winter storms to warmer temperatures in the sea, these changes will have a profound impact on our daily lives.
Increasingly I am having conversations with farmers and land managers about the implications of extreme weather from crop failure to concerns about animal welfare to loss of more biodiversity.
Climate change is the most urgent and complex challenge facing humanity today. It is not only a threat to the environment, but also to our health, economy, and human rights. The scientific evidence is clear: we need to take immediate and radical action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
If we fail to do so, we will face devastating consequences such as more extreme weather events, sea level rise, further biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, and forced migration.
As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, it is incomprehensible that the UK Prime Minister has torn up UK commitments. But he has also torn up any sense that he is a sound leader.
In Scotland we have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and with Greens in Government partnership work with councils and communities is underway.
From investment in public transport, active travel, and low carbon infrastructure to restoring nature and enhancing biodiversity we are working for the future. From introducing a circular economy bill to reduce waste and promote reuse and recycling to implementing a just transition for workers and communities affected by the shift away from fossil fuels, we are ensuring there will be a future.
We need everyone to play their part in making the changes necessary for a greener and fairer future. It is the job of Government to make these changes positive for people through policy that leads to warmer homes, a cleaner environment and better jobs. We need to support each other and work together across sectors, communities, and borders. We cannot afford to delay or deny the reality of climate change.
Rishi Sunak’s recent proposals are not just disastrous for our environment, but also for our economy. The Tories are turning their backs on a huge economic opportunity and the chance to rebuild our country.
The Prime Minister’s announcement is so incoherent that even giant car manufacturers like Ford denounced it. Government needs to signal a direction of travel and remain consistent to incentivise industry to change, to help us change. That was working, now uncertainty has been thrown into the mix.
The majority of the British public want to see the climate emergency tackled.
Let’s stay strong; the future depends on it.
