Hertfordshire activist calls on MPs to back a Climate and Nature Bill
A campaign has gathered over 55,000 signatures, and received the support of cross-party MPs
Last updated 12th Dec 2024
A Hertfordshire-based climate activist is calling on Members of Parliament to back the proposed Climate and Nature Bill.
The piece of legislation is aimed at addressing the climate emergency and reversing biodiversity loss.
It has been crafted with input from 1,400 climate scientists, seeking to go beyond the existing 2008 Climate Change Act by incorporating the latest scientific research and setting a legal framework for the urgent measures needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C and reverse biodiversity decline by 2030.
Phil Skone, a resident of Knebworth and a dedicated environmental advocate, said: "This Bill reflects the urgency of our situation and sets it into law.
"Proposed by 1,400 climate scientists, it’s essentially a blueprint for what the government must do to tackle the climate and nature emergency.
"While the original 2008 Climate Change Act was ground-breaking, it doesn’t go far enough. This Bill will ensure we take the decisive steps needed to protect our future."
The bill has already gathered cross-party support, with the backing of MPs across the political spectrum, including Labour, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and Conservatives.
"This isn’t a political issue—it’s about everyone’s future. We need as many MPs as possible to sign on and support it," added Mr Skone.
Campaigners are aiming to reach far and wide, both pressing on MPs directly to support the proposed legislation and urging constituents to write to their MPs.
Local activists are scheduled to meet with Stevenage MP Kevin Bonivia later this month to discuss the Climate and Nature Bill and other pressing issues, such as active transport and energy-efficient homes.
Other Hertfordshire MPs have shown signs of support, with the full backing of Liberal Democrat MP for St Albans Daisy Cooper.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said: "Now that we have a new government, we Liberal Democrats really want to see Labour tackle the climate and nature crisis.
"I’m really proud that it’s a Liberal Democrat MP, Wera Hobhouse, who is bringing forward this landmark Bill. It has my absolute full support.
"After years of Conservative governments failing to meet our international climate obligations, this Bill would put the UK back on course to meet its international climate and nature targets, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions to limit global heating to 1.5°C.
"From cleaning up our rivers to tackling air pollution and opposing the expansion of Luton Airport, the climate emergency and nature crisis are issues that deeply resonate with residents of St Albans. I really hope the new government works with us to pass this landmark piece of legislation."
Mr Skone emphasised the financial and ethical imperatives for action, arguing that the cost of protecting the planet could be mitigated by implementing harsher taxation of high polluting industries.
He said: "A lot of economists have said the cost of not dealing with this is far higher than the cost of addressing it.
"We should be taxing polluters and making them pay—that’s one way to find the necessary funds. This needs to be treated with real urgency.
"This shouldn’t be a political issue. It’s in everyone’s interest to get on board and listen to the science."
An event will be taking place Saturday morning (December 14) in Stevenage Town Centre in an effort to gather support and publicise the campaign.