WIREDGOV

WWF-UK Chief Executive David Nussbaum has called on all political parties to put the environment at the heart of their general election campaigns.  

With living standards under threat from climate change and the over-exploitation of natural resources, political leaders must be clear with voters that decisive action is necessary to create a sustainable economy.

David Nussbaum said:

“The environment is no longer a fringe issue in the minds of voters, but it’s still too close to the margins of political debate.  

“Given that living standards can’t be sustained without major changes to how we manage the world’s natural resources, the party leaders should use this election to forge a national consensus around addressing climate change, restoring biodiversity and creating a low-carbon economy that benefits everyone.   

“Between them, the parties’ manifestos contain a range of commendable proposals to protect our natural environment, reduce emissions and lead internationally on issues like the illegal wildlife trade.   But we are seeing virtually no debate about these things in the day-to-day election campaigns.  So let’s hear the political parties talking more about what they will do to tackle these great challenges, and let’s hear those debates properly reported.  The millions of people in the UK who support environmental groups expect nothing less”.   

WWF-UK is calling for the next government to build a clean economy, make sure the UK has healthy rivers and seas, and help save the world’s forests and wildlife.  A WWF manifesto builder enables people to lobby their local parliamentary candidates to take action on the environment.  

WWF-UK  is also calling for the next government to reform Whitehall to help address urgent environmental issues, including by creating of an Office for Environmental Responsibility to oversee how government departments manage and spend our natural capital.  

Oliver Fry, Political Media Relations Manager
T: +44 (0)1483 412280 | M: +44 (0)7855 465 453 wwf.org.uk
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