The climate crisis is rightly one of Cardiff North’s top priorities. It should be the UK government’s priority too.
Understandably, the pandemic has been the priority of global leaders recently, but we must not forget the deeper challenge of the climate emergency as we look to our rebuild, and the irreparable consequences of our continued inaction. This is why I support the aims of Caroline Lucas’ Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill, which was presented to Parliament this week.
The time is now for the UK Government to take clear, bold action to tackle the climate crisis and make a meaningful difference for our future generations. So far, the only thing that is clear is UK government’s serial failures to take the climate emergency seriously:
- On track to miss the 2050 net-zero emissions target set by Parliament
- Continued investment in fossil fuel projects contributing to climate breakdown
- Lack of ambition on seizing the opportunity for a meaningful green recovery
- Environment Bill falling woefully short of radical action needed
The CEE Bill is a Presentation Bill – one that does not involve a debate or vote in Parliament but draws attention to a critical issue that requires a law change. 2020 was supposed to be the year of meaningful climate action if we were to stand any chance of meeting our climate commitments. So why are we still having to raise awareness of the significance of climate change and plead with the Tories to take this seriously?
As COP26 hosts, the UK must show global leadership and raise the very environmental ambition that it expects from our global partners. We must ensure our post-Covid rebuild has climate action at its heart -a concrete, future-proof plan to decarbonise our economy, invest in green industries, create stable green jobs and meet an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target.
Whilst here in Cardiff North we continue to work together to tackle the effects of the climate crisis at a local level, the Labour Party and I will continue to push for the bold action required at the top to meet the scale of this challenge.
The time is now for climate action – it just requires political will.
Anna McMorrin MP
Member of Parliament for Cardiff North