Five environmental issues that should be higher on the election agenda

While much of the UK general election campaign has so far focused on issues such as economic growth and fixing the cost of living crisis, some key environmental issues are not getting enough attention.

Climate change must be at the top of the agenda. The world is experiencing record temperatures, with the rise in temperature in Antarctica being particularly alarming. This year, there have been a record number of weather-related insurance claims in the UK linked to extreme weather events.

However, while addressing climate change has potential benefits for jobs, energy security and lower bills, it is not considered a top priority by voters. And most political parties are paying relatively little attention.

Whether politicians or the electorate like it or not, the impacts 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 critical environmental challenges, but the main political parties are playing it safe.

1. Financing the net zero transition

While the Green party makes climate change a top priority, none of the major parties have made the issue a driving force for their policies.

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

The Labor Manifesto recognizes that the climate and nature crises are serious long-term challenges. Its plan for publicly owned Great Britain Energy includes measures such as doubling onshore wind, tripling solar and quadrupling offshore wind by 2030, with investments in carbon capture and storage, hydrogen and marine energy and energy conservation.

But details on how the net zero transition will be financed are lacking across the board. The UK needs better investment in both net zero and climate adaptation needs. A shift away from fossil fuels not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also minimizes exposure to unstable, expensive and polluting energy sources. There is also limited discussion in the election about the benefits of reducing energy demand.

2. Restoration of biodiversity

Many people have been affected by recent food price hikes, with more than four in 10 adults buying less food because of rising costs. While the cost of food is detrimental to many people, cheap food production is linked to fundamental environmental problems.

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

The UK is falling behind on its commitments to help address and finance this global loss of biodiversity. We depend on nature for food and a healthy ecosystem is vital to food supplies. A decline in pollinators has been shown in the UK and pollinator 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 a topic for close international co-operation. Biodiversity loss can be mitigated by protecting species and forests, reducing emissions, farming more regeneratively and using nature-based solutions such as

3. Cleaning of rivers

There has been much public outrage about water companies pumping sewage into rivers and the sea, with more than 80% of English rivers estimated to have high levels of pollution from sewage discharges and manure runoff from agricultural fields.

Few politicians are calling for systemic change in the way the UK’s water system works. Wastewater has been a big campaign issue for the Liberal Democrats, but much of the media talk has been about party leader Ed Davey’s plunge into Lake Windermere to highlight the issue, rather than detailed proposals. policies.

Also missing is discussion of ways to mitigate increased flooding due to more extreme weather. Measures such as reopening could improve the UK’s flood resilience. England has a fully privatized water system, which is unusual for most countries, and there is no debate as to whether this is the best approach to providing a reliable and clean water service that is essential for all. .

4. Renovation of houses

Another missed opportunity is how to fix Britain’s leaky and inefficient homes. In England and Wales, the average energy efficiency rating for a home is D. For homes built before 1930, more than 80% are rated D to G, indicating low energy efficiency.

There are housing renewal policies in both the Labor and Scottish National Party (SNP) manifestos. Labor will provide grants and low-interest loans for measures such as insulation, solar panels, batteries and low-carbon heating. The SNP promises lower VAT rates for the construction sector to encourage the renovation of existing buildings.

However, there is a lack of a fully costed housing improvement program that would address UK homes in need of refurbishment. The UK needs a long-term program of easy-to-access grants and zero-interest loans for households to install measures such as insulation, heat pumps and solar power, ultimately reducing their energy bills too.

Energy efficient homes can help reduce fuel poverty and provide more comfortable living conditions. Homes urgently need to be more climate resilient, preparing them to better withstand extreme weather such as summer heat waves and winter cold events.

5. Improving sustainable transport

The UK must drastically reduce its high dependence on cars. In 2023, a record 41.4 million vehicles were on the road in the UK. While car-related emissions were reduced, only one in 40 of all vehicles is zero. Politicians could better support active travel options (such as cycling and walking) or improve public transport links.

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