Image credit: Sophie Bell
It is widely known that humanity is facing a climate crisis, but less spoken about is the ecological crisis, and even less known is that the two are inextricably linked. We can’t solve the climate crisis, without also tackling the nature crisis.
Over the last century, we have lost around 97% of our wildflower meadows, along with many of our woodland, wetland, heathland and other habitats, and the species that rely on them.
Attenborough Nature Reserve © Sophie Bell
This is not only bad news for our wildlife, but this loss of nature, and damage to the natural systems that provide us with air, water and a whole host of other benefits, is also undermining our ability to cope with and reduce the impact of climate change.
Climate change is already becoming a major driver of species loss and habitat degradation, as we face ever more changeable and extreme climatic conditions that affect migratory and breeding patterns, as well as species survival.
Climate change is also increasing the vulnerability of our infrastructure. For example roads, railways, and also our homes and businesses - impacting on our health and wellbeing.
However, there is hope, if we tackle the ecological and climate together.
The key is to work with the grain of nature.
Greenshank © Pete Richman
Just imagine…
What if we created new wetlands of various sizes, across river catchments and in urban areas, to soak up the increasing amount of rainfall we might experience in the future, to help protect homes and businesses from flooding?
What if we created new areas of woodland along river banks and in the wider landscape, to soak up carbon and help keep our rivers cool?
What if we established new areas of wildflower meadows, to support populations of insects that would help pollinate our food crops?
What if we targeted creation of new wildlife rich places in urban areas, to provide a cooling effect as the temperatures start to rise?
All of the above, and more like it, would help us to adapt to what climate change will throw at us, it will help nature recover, and it will also provide benefit to our health and wellbeing by increasing connection to nature for all – win-win-win.
The Government has set out plans for each county to produce a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, which will be developed with local communities, so look out for the opportunity to get involved in shaping a wilder, and therefore more climate resilient, future.
Join #30DaysWild and take action for nature on your doorstep every day throughout June. Don't forget to pin your action to our map, and join many others across the county in supporting nature recovery.
