We asked the young poeple in our community what their hopes are for with the incoming government, here’s what they said…
A just, green energy transition
“My hope is that the climate crisis is taken more seriously by the next government. Investment in sustainable energy, more green jobs and just transitions for those working in oil & gas, no more oil & gas licences, and a focus on nature restoration that helps to capture carbon.”
More protection for nature
“I hope that there is more protection for nature and more measures and actions taking place. As the longer we wait the harder it becomes to turn the tide, the time for action is now! More work needs to be done with businesses to help create plans to reduce their impact on climate and nature as they can make a big difference. Finally nature can bring so many benefits to people so everyone should have equal access to it so they can build a lasting connection with it and experience it in their own way.”
Fixing water pollution issues
“My hope for nature from the next government would be the government prioritising policies that would benefit the public compared to companies. This would mean reducing sewage run-offs from water companies which would allow people to finally use the beach without worry, or creating adequate incentives for farmers to rewild unproductive land to support wild highways.“
Consulting experts on new policy decisions
“My hope for nature is that we see deep engagement with experts on policy and action to make sure our land, seas, rivers and skies are protected and restored in a way that ensures our generation and many more to come finally see an biodiversity thriving alongside communities. From farming, to industry, to energy, to education, to politics, I am hopeful that nature will finally have its say and that youth voices will be listened to on issues that impact us, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Nature and climate taking centre stage
“My hope is that nature, climate, and equity are central to the next government. There’s a lot of optimism today, but a lot of work to be done. We know how important nature is for both us and the climate, so now we need to act! This government’s mandate takes us to just before the 2030 SDG goals – we need transformation to have a chance to meet them. The UK has the chance to be a world-leader on nature-friendly policy, and I hope both the government and the opposition can take a progressive, positive stance on biodiversity and nature. It’s our future, and we want it to be a green one – one where we value nature, rather than use it.”
Addressing the consequences of our actions on nature
“My hope for nature for the next government is we start to see the whole interconnected picture, from the wider views such as our relationships with other nations and the impact those have on our world, right through to areas like our education and food systems. I hope we can start to see how everything has a consequence for nature and for our survival. I hope we can start to ask why we do things the way we do and what that means for the roots of our society and our connections to nature. Question everything, there are other ways of doing things.”
Caring for nature, rather than just exploiting it
“I hope nature is viewed as something to protect and love, not use and exploit. If we care for nature, it will then care for us. I hope to see a complete shift in the way nature is viewed in the commons, it is such an overarching element of our existence and must be at the forefront of everything we do.”
Refreshing Net Zero and Nature 2030 commitments
“We have a new government now but they don’t have time to rest on their laurels – it’s time to act to save Britain’s nature! I hope that green policies are high up the priority list, including recommitting to Net Zero and Nature 2030, and that ministers change the conversation around a green policies to recognise the opportunities, rather than just the difficulties, they afford.”
