Humanist Climate Action has expressed deep concern about recent backtracking by the UK Government on several environmental issues. The development of Rosebank, the largest untapped oilfield in UK waters, was approved in September and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also announced his intention to postpone key climate targets and policies. Despite the Climate Change Committee warning Parliament that the pace of change required to meet climate goals was too slow in June 2023, the UK Government seems to have slowed even further, increasing concern that targets will not be met.
The UK Government also announced plans to amend nutrient neutrality regulations (requiring new housing developments to not add more nutrient pollution to water catchments) via the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill. The move was defeated in the House of Lords, HCA are concerned that there may be attempts to implement the change another way. Wildlife will also have to wait as the introduction of the mandate to deliver 10% Biodiversity Net Gain on development sites is being delayed by two months.
Humanist Climate Action Coordinator Lori Marriott commented:
‘The climate and biodiversity emergency continues at pace while from the Government we hear about delays, inaction and new oil production. Along with many environmental organisations, Humanist Climate Action is very concerned that recent announcements represent a backward trend in the Government’s environmental policies. The most recent State of Nature report highlighted that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on earth so we must be holding the Government to account on the legally binding targets in the Environment Act 2021 and its Carbon Budget Delivery Plan.
‘We call on the Government to recommit to tackling these challenges and push forward on meeting its own targets in the forthcoming King’s Speech on 7 November 2023 and subsequent Parliamentary session.’
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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Kathy Riddick at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 3675 0959.
Humanist Climate Action (HCA) is a volunteer-led network of Humanists UK members and supporters committed to redefining lifestyles and campaigning for policies that promote low-carbon, ethical, and sustainable living in the light of the degeneration of the Earth’s climate and biodiversity. HCA brings humanists together to facilitate individual and collective action on these issues.
Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 110,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.