The Prime Minister’s duties: Zero Hour and the CEE Bill

The UK Met Office and the University of East Anglia recently confirmed that 2023 was the planet's warmest year on record. During this same period Antarctic sea ice coverage dropped to a record low.

Britain's Climate Change Act contains the world's first legally binding national commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions: it commits the UK to reaching net zero by 2050 (though many reputable authorities maintain that is far too late).Meanwhile those of you concerned about our future and that of our siblings will have not failed to notice that the words ‘climate change’ were noticeably absent from UK Chancellor’s spring budget. Instead, Jeremy Hunt announced that the government was freezing fuel duty on petrol and diesel for the 14th year in a row. The chancellor also announced a year-long extension to the windfall tax on oil-and-gas companies, but failed to commit to spending the money raised on new climate investments.Nor did he offer any new policies to help boost the rollout of low carbon technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

Yet there might still be some light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday, Labour MP Alex Sobel reintroduced the Climate and Ecology Bill – now renamed Climate and Nature (CAN) with cross-party backing, in a call for all politicians, whichever party, to unite around the need for urgent, joined-up climate and nature action. If made law, the Bill places vitally important duties on the Prime Minister and Secretary of State.

*    the Prime Minister would have a duty to ensure the UK reduces its carbon emissions to a level consistent with keeping global averages to a level consistent with keeping global average temperature increase to 1.5⁰C compared to pre-industrial levels

*    the Prime Minister would have a duty to restore and regenerate soils, biodiverse habitats and ecosystems by 2030

*    the Secretary of State would have a duty to publish a strategy to achieve the specified objectives on climate change, ecosystems and biodiversity within 12 months of passing the act, taking on board the recommendations of a Citizen’s Assembly

The Bill written by scientists, environmental experts and campaigners was first introduced by Caroline Lucas (Green MP) in September 2020. which was written by scientists, experts and campaigners. It now has the support of more than 700 prospective MPs – more than 10% of those in the Westminster electorate. Re-introducing the bill Labour MP Alex Sobel said:

 "I'm proud to have introduced the Climate and Nature Bill with cross-party support from MPs of all main parties. This joined-up climate and nature plan is continuing the legacy of the Climate Change Act 2008. This CAN Bill is needed if we want to reclaim our environmental leadership; and finally get serious about reducing energy bills, protecting our wildlife, creating green jobs, and bolstering our energy and food security. When made law, the CAN Bill will set the UK on a path where we can properly tackle the interconnected climate and nature crises—whilst making sure that no one is left behind in the long-overdue just transition we need. Global emissions are rising. Nature is in peril. So in this pivotal election year, let's align our climate and nature laws in line with the science—and our international agreements—and deliver the climate and environmental action the public are crying out for."

You can watch Chris Packham’s brief appeal for support for the CAN Bill  here.