Biodiversity Loss

Mr. Sobel expressed concern about the interdependence of human health and the environment, highlighting that environmental degradation disproportionately affects low-income areas and people of colour. He mentioned the decline in insect populations, noting that the loss of pollinating insects could lead to cyclical starvation and reduced crop production. He also discussed the importance of education on nature conservation and proposed a new GCSE in natural history by 2025 to address skills gaps in ecology. Additionally, he suggested expanding initiatives like forest education schools to areas with high deprivation levels and creating a national nature service for young people to experience nature jobs. Stressed the importance of international collaboration for tackling the nature crisis.

Alistair Strathern highlighted the beauty of Mid Bedfordshire and its role in conservation, praising local efforts but pointing out that farmers face challenges due to failed government schemes like ELMs. He noted 778 sewage spills into rivers and warned about economic risks from nature degradation. Strathern urged for a land use framework to promote sustainable farming and halt nature decline by 2030. Noted that no river in Britain is in good condition.

I agree with the hon. Lady and highlight the importance of COP16 in Colombia, urging the UK to join Colombia in the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance.

The hon. Lady's intervention shows that more resourcing is necessary but not sufficient for effective action on biodiversity.

I advocate for legislating swift bricks in new build properties to protect the declining swift population, which has seen a 60% decline over the past three decades.

I question why biodiversity problems persist and worsen despite increased public expenditure on UK biodiversity in recent years.

He expressed concern about Northern Ireland being one of the most nature-depleted areas in the world, with 12% of species at threat of extinction. He highlighted a 43% decrease in farmland bird species abundance since 1996 and a 14% decline in flowering plants since 1973. Shannon also mentioned specific endangered species such as the basking shark, Atlantic salmon, and Irish damselfly. Emphasised the importance of habitats for wildlife and families.

The Government remain off track to meet environmental ambitions, with only four out of 40 targets on track. The Office for Environmental Protection warns about inadequate plans and potential court cases. There is a need for better carbon sequestration in peatlands and nutrient neutrality policies. Kerry McCarthy questions the lead from the Government in nature-based solutions and asks if there is cross-departmental working to ensure investment into these solutions. Asked about the response of the Government if they fail to meet their legally binding targets by 2030.

I raise hope for migratory birds with the example of Bardsey Island, where replacing lighthouse lights has saved thousands of bird lives.

Olivia Blake emphasizes the need for action on both climate and biodiversity crises. She pays tribute to citizen science initiatives such as the Rivelin Valley Conservation Group, which monitors river health but faces challenges like storm sewage overflows. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries with one in six species at risk of extinction. Blake calls for more effective land management practices, especially regarding peatlands, which are crucial carbon sinks and wildlife habitats but are often damaged by burning and flooding. Discussed the challenges and successes in maintaining high water quality in Rivelin valley.

England's biodiversity is decreasing, with wildlife populations having decreased by an average of 69% in the past 50 years. Somerset faces challenges from climate change and heavy flooding, impacting both communities and wildlife. The Liberal Democrats propose adding £1 billion to the ELMS budget to support farmers in increasing biodiversity. Local initiatives such as the LandAlive sustainable food and farming conference are essential for addressing the decline of pollinators like the shrill carder bee. Mentioned the need to ensure that environmental land management scheme delivers for farmers.

Set out Labour's commitment to deliver on environmental improvement plan and targets in the Environment Act.

Mr Bonnar highlighted the importance of Scotland's natural environment and its economic benefits, including attracting millions of visitors each year. He mentioned the SNP's £65 million nature restoration fund which has committed nearly £40 million since 2021 to support various initiatives like woodlands, national parks, and river restoration projects. The Scottish biodiversity strategy aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and reverse declines by 2045.

She congratulated Caroline Lucas on securing the debate and highlighted the importance of biodiversity for survival, prosperity, and reaching net zero. She mentioned the Environment Act 2021 and its 2030 target to halt species loss, along with measures to reduce pollution, illegal deforestation, littering, and fly-tipping. She also discussed the Agriculture Act 2020 which ended the common agricultural policy and introduced Environmental Land Management schemes for farmers. Villiers noted that outside the EU, the UK has banned sand eel fishing in the North Sea and protected a further 166,000 square kilometres of ocean around South Georgia. Stressed the importance of legally binding targets in the Environment Act, highlighted the significance of British overseas territories for environmental protection.

Discussed the importance of recognising the link between human success and environmental health, highlighted the need for reintroducing species like beavers, praised the Environment Act but questioned its effectiveness if targets are not met, emphasised the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss, called for a Labour government to deliver on commitments and support farmers.

Nature is collapsing globally, with the UK ranked in the bottom 10% for nature loss and the worst among G7 nations. The Government has missed multiple environmental targets such as those for sites of special scientific interest and river conditions. Wera Hobhouse advocates for a Liberal Democrat priority of introducing a Nature Act that includes legally binding targets for improving air, water, soil, and biodiversity, supported by at least £18 billion in funding over five years. She also highlights the importance of local government involvement and community efforts like 'No Mow May' to improve nature conservation. She intervened to suggest that combining net zero goals with addressing nature loss could help engage people emotionally on these issues. Ms Hobhouse intervened briefly at the meeting, criticising the current UK Government for not taking legal action when they break environmental laws. She stressed the need for a government committed to implementing robust measures and targets set by law. Noted that only a third of sites of special scientific interest are in good condition.