This parliament is critical for climate and nature action. Climate-related floods, fires and droughts have become more frequent around the world, and the realities of being tied to fossil fuels have a worrying impact on both our energy security and our energy bills. The nature that we rely on for food, clean air, and water continues to decline at an alarming rate. We have no time to waste.
The cost of inaction will be felt in every corner of the country, but so will the benefits of a fair transition if we grasp the opportunities in front of us. We know that climate change and the loss of nature are issues that our constituents care deeply about, and we need MPs of all stripes to take up this mission on their behalf. Change will happen faster, and progress will be longer-lasting if Parliament pulls in the same direction.
This is core to our work as chairs of the All Party Parliamentary Group on the Environment and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Climate Change. In a cohort of 335 new Members of Parliament, we have seen a real appetite amongst our colleagues to learn more about climate and nature issues. That’s why we’re delighted our APPGs have joined forces to run a Climate and Nature Leadership Programme for MPs and Peers, which will take place over the coming months.
The programme will feature roundtables, briefings and workshops led by experts in climate, nature, and climate communications, who will provide parliamentarians with the latest insights on climate change, environmental issues, and the connections between climate action and the UK economy.
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Speakers will include eminent climate scientist Jim Skea, Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Dr Mya-Rose Craig, a nature and diversity activist and Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of Energy UK. Climate Outreach will also host a bespoke workshop on how to be a brilliant climate communicator, making complex topics relatable on the doorstep and to ensure people and communities are centered in the transition to a clean economy. In December, we will hold a parliamentary reception to celebrate the learnings and progress of those who have engaged in this vital programme.
We also recognise that staff are central to what MPs and Peers can achieve in Parliament and are therefore delighted to welcome them to a special roundtable for MPs staffers.
As a new government takes shape, we have an exciting opportunity for MPs and Peers across all parties to harness the new political landscape to address the pressing issues of climate and nature, and secure the opportunities for bold, transformative action.
The Climate and Nature Leadership Programme offers parliamentarians a unique platform to do just that. It is designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of climate change, build powerful cross-party networks, and collaborate to push forward ambitious action on climate and nature. This programme isn’t just about learning; it’s about supporting Parliamentarians to drive forward the UK’s climate response, advancing meaningful policies that will benefit both people and planet. The time for parliament to step up and lead on these challenges is now.
We hope MPs and Peers who want to be part of the solution will reach out to the Climate APPG or Environment APPG to sign up for the Climate and Nature Leadership Programme.
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