There are simple and easy things that we can all do to reduce our carbon footprint and make a big difference to the natural world.

When wildlife could be harmed by development, local planning authorities should follow a step-wise approach to reduce that harm, known as the ‘mitigation hierarchy’. This is required in National Planning Policy.

We are in the middle of a climate and nature emergency, and the two are inextricably linked. Climate change is driving nature’s decline, and the loss of wildlife and wild places leaves us ill-equipped to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to change.

Global governments are coming together once again for COP27 (or the 27th Conference of the Parties) to discuss climate change and the commitments each country will make to adapt and reduce carbon emissions. A year on from COP26 in Glasgow little progress has been made and time is running out to avoid catastrophic global warming.

The Wildlife Trusts want to see the bold rhetoric and ambitions translated into real action this decade to tackle the twin nature and climate crises.