MPs to debate restoring nature on a massive scale to prevent climate breakdown

house of commons

On Monday 28th October, MPs will debate a petition relating to restoring nature on a massive scale to help stop climate breakdown. Daniel Zeichner MP, a Member of the Petitions Committee, will open the debate.

The petition, which has more than 109,000 signatures, states: “To avoid a climate emergency we need to act fast. Rewilding and other natural climate solutions can draw millions of tonnes of CO2 out of the air through restoring and protecting our living systems.

“We call on the UK government to make a bold financial and political commitment to nature’s recovery.”

In response to the petition, the Government said: “Climate change is one of the most urgent and pressing challenges we face today. The UK is acting to tackle it, including taking action to restore nature.

The 25 Year Environment Plan (25YEP) signals a step-change in ambition for the natural environment in England.

“It commits the Government to improving the condition of our protected sites network and to creating or restoring 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat in England, as part of a Nature Recovery Network to protect and restore wildlife.”

Monday’s debate will provide an opportunity for MPs to question a Government Minister directly on these topics.

Petition details

  • Restore nature on a massive scale to help stop climate breakdown – view on petition signature map.
  • The Commons Library have prepared a briefing paper on this topic, read more about this here.

Follow the debate:
Watch the debate live online: https://parliamentlive.tv/Commons or https://www.youtube.com/UKParliament
Read the debate transcript: https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2019-10-28/