Dear Mr. Quince,
I know your voting record for environmental issues is opposing protection of climate and biodiversity (0 votes for and 13 votes against measures to prevent climate change between 2016 -2020). I am writing to you at this time to appeal to you as a father to consider what kind of future you envisage for your children? Personally, I do not have children of my own but I have god-children and I care about their future as well as the future of all the children and the vulnerable.
According to recent evidence the climate crisis is closer and more disastrous than originally indicated. We have seen major forest fires in most continents, permafrost, Arctic and Antarctic ice melting more rapidly; in other words, the tipping points have been reached and are spiralling. Scientists are also telling us that the current pandemic is just another symptom of climate and ecological breakdown. The facts are that global emissions are currently leading us (you, me and our families) towards a catastrophic 3°C of warming.
Current UK targets for net zero CO2 by 2050 are woefully ineffective; scientific data shows that well before then we will be subject to catastrophic climate events. If this was not bad enough, the Institute for Government clearly states that the UK government is not on target for its 4th (2023-2027) and 5th carbon budget (2028 – 2032)!
Despite the current despicable trajectory, the UK is very well suited to be a leader of revolution and radical improvement of the environmental conditions. With this in mind I am writing to you to ask you to support the forthcoming Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.
The Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill has been drawn up by a collaborative team with input from lawyers and eminent climate scientists. It offers a clear vision and strategy to help the Government contribute to its fair share of limiting global warming and starting to restore biodiversity and ecosystems. It calls for deliberative democracy to secure public engagement and support for this huge task.
The UK government has pledged to provide climate leadership and to set an example to encourage other countries to raise the ambition of their climate targets. Well, I hope this won’t be just words in the wind. Our Government must lead a global work stream on ensuring an inclusive and sustainable recovery from Covid-19. That is what they promised the UN. I am asking you please as my MP to insist that they do this.
You can find the Bill, relevant information and a short video at www.CEEBill.uk
I would be very grateful if you could please tell me as soon as possible
a) if you will support calls for this Bill to have its 2nd reading this year
b) if you will support the Bill.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[E.V.]
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