Cumbria was represented at the UK’s first National Emergency Briefing on Nature and Climate held at Westminster Central Hall, London on 27 November where over 800 MPs and other key national and regional decisionmakers heard evidence on the climate and ecological crises from a panel of experts, chaired by our patron, Professor Mike Berners-Lee.
Do we want it on our conscience that we waste everything?
Opening the event, naturalist Chris Packham pointed out that “Earth is our only home…We have nowhere else to go…Do we want it on our conscience that we waste everything?”. Professor Hayley Fowler of Newcastle University, a leading expert on rainfall and flooding, shared that climate change is causing extreme weather faster than predicted – an issue of particular concern for Cumbria. She stated that “By 2050 one in four properties will be at risk of flooding.” and that “UK winter rainfall has increased by 10% since 1980”.
Three of the worst cereal harvests this decade...
Professor Paul Behrens, a food system expert, reported on the threats to our food supplies. He said “Britain has seen three of the five worst cereal harvests on record occur this decade” and “80% of farmers say climate change is seriously affecting their ability to make a living”.
Professor Hugh Montgomery of the Centre for Human Health at University College London said “There may be no liveable future for us and our children. We need transformational change now if we’re going to survive”. and “Action on climate change brings great benefits economically and to our health as well”.
Lt General Richard Nugee, government advisor on climate security discussed the threats to global security arising from climate change.
A terrifying and inspiring briefing, but there is still hope
Reflecting on the event, Charlie Addison-Adams, one of our Associate Trustees said: “It was both a terrifying and inspiring briefing. Our current trajectory is bleak, but only once we recognise the scale of the challenge can we begin to act. If we work together and demand change across all sectors of society, there is still hope for more sustainable, healthier communities. Our MPs, councils, businesses and communities all need to step up and play their part.”
We all need to do more, and more quickly
Futureproof Cumbria CEO, Karen Mitchell, added: “Organisations and individuals across Cumbria are already taking action to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing our climate to breakdown with the help of the Zero Carbon Cumbria initiative that Futureproof Cumbria leads. But it is clear that we all need to do more, and more quickly. So to everyone out there, get off the fence and get stuck in. ”
An open letter from the conference delegates has been sent to the Prime Minister and media leaders, calling for urgent government action and more honest reporting on the environmental emergency. A short film of the event is now in production to share the briefing’s message nationwide.
For more information about the National Emergency Briefing, visit www.nebriefing.org.
