Five environmental issues that should be high on the election agenda

While most UK general election campaigns have so far focused on issues such as economic growth and fixing the cost of living crisis, a number of important environmental issues have not received enough attention.

Climate change should be high on the agenda. The world is facing record-breaking temperatures, with the warming of Antarctica particularly alarming. This year, there have been a record number of weather-related insurance claims in the UK linked to severe weather events.

Although addressing climate change has potential benefits for jobs, energy security and lower bills, it is not considered a high priority by voters. And most political parties pay little attention.

Whether politicians or voters like it or not, the effects that climate change is already having on the economy, food security, public health and migration, should not be ignored. This election campaign offers an opportunity to show strong political leadership by discussing important environmental challenges, but the main political parties are playing it safe.

1. Financing a zero transition period

While the Green Party gives climate change a high priority, none of the major parties have made this issue the driving force behind their policies.

The Conservative manifesto reaffirms a commitment to climate change by addressing the resilience of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable members but would rule out pathways to a low-carbon future including green taxes, road pricing schemes and flat taxes. times of flyers.

The Labor Manifesto recognizes that climate and natural conflicts are major long-term challenges. His publicly owned Great Britain Energy Plan includes measures such as doubling onshore wind, tripling solar and quadrupling offshore wind by 2030, as well as investment in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen energy and marine, and energy conservation.

But details on how net zero change will be financed are not widely available. The UK needs better investment in net zero demand and climate adaptation. Shifting away from fossil fuels not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also reduces exposure to volatile, expensive and polluting energy sources. There is also little debate in the election about the benefits of reduced energy demand.

2. Restore living organisms

Many people have been affected by the recent rise in food prices, with more than four in 10 adults having bought less food due to rising costs. Although the cost of food is a concern for many, cheap food production is linked to fundamental environmental problems.

There is little mention from politicians of how biodiversity loss, nature crisis and intensive agriculture affect long-term food security. A new report from the think tank ODI says that nearly 50% of species are in decline and up to one million species face the possibility of extinction.

The UK is falling behind on its commitments to help address and fund this global biodiversity loss. We depend on nature for food and a healthy ecosystem is essential for food supply. Pollination declines have been demonstrated in the UK, and pollen loss in the US has already been linked to reduced crop yields.

Almost half of the UK’s food comes from other countries, so this should be the subject of close international cooperation. Biodiversity loss can be reduced by protecting species and forests, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, more regenerative agriculture and using nature-based solutions such as replanting.

3. Cleaning rivers

There has been a lot of public anger about water companies pumping sewage into rivers and seas, with more than 80 per cent of English rivers estimated to have high levels of pollution from sewage overflows and manure run-off from farms. of agriculture.

A few politicians are calling for systemic change to how the UK’s water system works. Sewage has been a major campaign issue for the Liberal Democrats, but much of the media discussion has been about party leader Ed Davey’s trip to Lake Windermere to highlight the issue, rather than about detailed policy proposals.

Discussions about ways to reduce the increase in flooding due to bad weather are also missing. Actions such as rezoning can improve flood resilience in the UK. The UK has a fully privatized water system, which is unusual for many countries, and there is no debate as to whether this is the best way to provide the clean and reliable water service that everyone needs.

4. Renovate the house

Another missed opportunity is how to fix leaky and unfit UK homes. In England and Wales, the average home energy efficiency rating is D. For homes built before 1930, more than 80% are rated from D to G, indicating low energy efficiency.

There are repatriation policies in the Labor and Scottish National (SNP) manifestos. Labor will offer grants and low-interest loans for measures such as insulation, solar panels, batteries and low-carbon heating. The SNP is promising lower VAT rates for the construction industry to encourage the refurbishment of existing buildings.

However, a fully funded housing improvement program that would deal with Britain’s homes in need of repair does not exist. The UK needs a long-term program of easily subsidized and interest-free loans for households to install measures such as insulation, heat pumps and solar energy, to ultimately reduce their energy bills too.

Energy-efficient homes can help reduce fuel poverty and provide a more comfortable living environment. Homes need to weatherize quickly by preparing them to better deal with extreme weather events such as summer heat waves and extreme winter events.

5. To improve sustainable transport

Britain needs to drastically reduce its high dependency on cars. In 2023, a record number of 41.4 million vehicles were on the road in the UK. Although car-related emissions have been reduced, only one in 40 of all cars is zero-emission. Politicians can better support active transport options (such as cycling and walking) or improve public transport connections.

The silence on the issue is not surprising, given that congestion charging and related measures have proven unpopular in some areas. But homes with close public transport links and policies that promote cities within 15 minutes that have sustainable transport options can bring many benefits to health and well-being. Low-traffic neighborhoods can create play space for children and benefit residents’ quality of life.