Department for the Environment

 

The Monkey Trap-  Ah, I can't let go,
even though it will be the end of me!

Department for the Environment

Today the Greens launched their manifesto. It appears to be the only manifesto that promises that this will be harder and tougher under them.   It is easy for parties that will not become the next government to state things as they are.  Everyone who understands the science of climate change believes that humanity must do it’s bit to reduce global warming.  Although we can app play our part, this can only truly happen through concerted, collective political action.    The challenge is that we have our hands in ‘the monkey trap’.  In the West, have gripped riches and power, and do not want to let go.  In developing countries, such as China and India, there is no incentive to lessen the pace of development that has benefited so many.  What do we do?

The only way for nations to succeed is to work together.  This is what COP is about, but it needs to be held accountable.  While there is so much valuable oil in the ground, rich countries are not prepared to give up their wealth.  Consequently, it may be that we will have to rely on the amazing propensity of humans to adapt to adversity.  This may mean that nations must support the communities that are so at risk.  Bangladesh is at the forefront and is the most desiring, having produced little to no atmospheric pollutants compared to us. 

The prime ministers of several Caribbean countries have lead the moral crusade to change the legal framework of how the rights of nations are viewed internationally.  Mia Mottley,   president of Barbados, and a number of other leaders have made the case for a compensation based approach.  A bit like after a car crash, insurance brokers must work out who is responsible for the reparations, so Caribbean countries require help after devastating storms, far stronger than anything experienced previously, which act like bombs on fragile seaside communities.

This government see the necessity to address environmental issues at a global scale in order to protect Britain.  We are connected, morally, but also systemically. 

At home, the government would continue to help communities decide how the land will be split into three portions, or zones.  The first third of land is to preserve areas of outstanding natural beauty and national parks.  The second third is for land that can be exploited for food, timber and natural resources, but where the environment is still protected.  The last third is given over to towns and cities, including industry.  This land will increasingly also be preserved, but planning restrictions will be less strict. 

The three zone model is not new.  It remains  controversial.  As with Greenbelts, delineating land usage can push up prices, and create unstable planning environments.  This government is in favour of novel ways to create wonderful places to live.  This includes a law to allow local authorities to investigate why building are being left empty, and to put a greater expectation on communities that there is a moral obligation to provide accessible and affordable homes, where housing already exist.  On census day 2021, it was discovered that there were 1 ½ million empty homes in England alone.    This is a political issue.  Do we really want to built and build until we resemble the plant Coruscant, as features in the film 'Star Wars'. 

This government would start a conversation in local communities to address local housing need through the best use of existing housing, with clear responsibilities given to home owners to use property wisely and fairly.