The general election represents a huge opportunity to address the nature and climate crises. Local environmental charity Somerset Wildlife Trust is urging the public to vote with nature in mind on 4th July, and explore their local political candidates’ plans for nature and the environment to ensure that any new government will put nature at the top of its priority list.
Recent polling[1] shows environmental issues are a key concern for voters, with over half considering environmental issues to be at least as important as other issues facing the country.
Following national trends, it’s clear that Somerset’s ecosystems have been impacted by climate change, changes in land management, development, and pollution. The Somerset State of Nature Report 2023, published by the Trust in December last year, found that:
- Butterfly distribution has declined by 874km2 over 30 years; fritillary butterflies have suffered most drastically, with a 60% decline in distribution from 1990 to 2021.
- Between 2009 and 2019, the number of ‘Good’ quality rivers in Somerset have decreased from 38 to 21.
- Only 36% of the 128 Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSI) in Somerset were assessed as favourable.
The UK committed to a set of 2030 targets to halt nature’s decline and protect 30% of land and sea; these targets will be met or lost in the Parliament elected in this general election, with the next five years also being crucial to staying on track to achieving net zero by 2050.
To help inform voters’ decisions, The Wildlife Trusts have provided short summaries of what each political manifesto promises for nature and the environment:
Georgia Dent, Chief Executive of Somerset Wildlife Trust, says: “This general election needs to be a turning point for nature. With climate and nature emergencies already declared across the country, there has never been a more critical time to take positive action to reverse nature’s decline, reduce our carbon emissions, and invest in vital carbon sinks like healthy peatlands.”
“We need ambitious and passionate leaders to help protect our wildlife and reach the crucial target of having at least 30% of our land and sea connected and protected for nature by 2030. There are many issues on voters' minds this election, but the environment underpins everything else. A healthy natural environment is crucial for a healthy society, food production and economy. It is vital that voters choose policies that protect and restore nature — and we’re asking as many people as possible to keep that in mind when they head to the polling stations on 4th July.”
Somerset Wildlife Trust has been sharing a range of resources to help voters make an informed decision in the election.