The world is undergoing a crisis of climate and biodiversity decline.
The two are linked, with the destruction of natural environments including trees and peat bogs, causing increased carbon emissions, changing the climate.
Biodiversity and climate need to be addressed together. Unfortunately, they often seem to have been treated as separate, with biodiversity very much the junior partner.
Whilst human beings cause of much of the destruction creating climate change, their actions on biodiversity border on the suicidal.
Some 54% of insects have disappeared between 2004 and 2023. Bees are under threat from insecticides used on crops. Without these insects, it will be impossible to provide the food we need to survive.
Nearly one in six species in the UK is threatened with extinction. Some 19% of species have become extinct since the 1970s.
Nature is also vital to the mental and physical wellbeing of humans.
Humanity's desire to dominate and destroy, rather than work with nature, has brought the world to crisis point.
Yet, despite these stark and alarming statistics, humanity seems content to sleepwalk into oblivion. Political leadership is needed, not more denial.
Locally, this would be something similar to the climate emergency that was passed by Redbridge Council in 2019.
A nature emergency would include developing a nature emergency action plan, ensuring that nature recovery is embedded as a key part of plans and policies.
It needs to become a fundamental part of the council DNA, not an add-on.
One specific goal would be to manage 30% of council land for nature recovery by 2030.
More trees and wild areas. And the adoption of initiatives like No Mow May.
Some local groups have a petition on the council petitions site calling for a nature emergency. This enshrines the principles of what is required and can be found at: moderngov.redbridge.gov.uk/mgEPetitionListDisplay.aspx
The petition and hopefully a motion, with a comprehensive plan, can be brought forward later in the year.
Positive things are happening like Grow Zone areas, pollinator pathways, tree planting programmes, Restore Nature Pledge, days of community action and the promotion of community gardens, but much more is needed.
It is time to put nature front and centre of the environmental emergency. The crisis in nature is on a par with that affecting the climate.
It can no longer be treated as a secondary consideration if the planet is to be saved for our children and children's children, the whole crisis must be given priority.
- Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).
