WILDLIFE advocates in Warwickshire are among charities urging mayoral candidates to help restore the natural environment.
Environmental organisations including Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Friends of the Earth, RSPB, and The Woodland Trust have joined forces to urge candidates to commit to actions to help people improve their connection with nature,
According to a 2019 State of Nature report, over 41 per cent of wildlife species have decreased in the UK since 1970 and over 130 have already become extinct. The group says factors such as climate change, pollution, urbanisation and agricultural management are contributing to the ‘ecological crisis’.
Chief executive of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Ed Green, said: “It’s crucial that the needs and benefits of a healthy natural world are understood by all of us and especially by those who are in positions of authority, like our mayor. Investing in nature can help to ensure a green recovery across the West Midlands that addresses both the climate change and the ecological crises we are all living in.”
A 10-point plan recently published by The Climate Coalition details measures to help recover nature across at least 30 per cent of land and seas by 2030.
The group wants to see mayoral candidates of all parties take up the six actions and is inviting them to a virtual meeting to hear more about getting involved.
An online e-action has been launched so potential constituents can contact mayoral candidates to urge them to commit to the group’s Green Manifesto via
https://action.wildlifetrusts.org.
The group of charities is also holding a free hustings event with the candidates open for the public to attend via Zoom on Tuesday March 30.
Visit www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk to book.
