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The RSPB view

Climate change is now so frequently discussed in the media, and the message of its severity is so daunting, there is a danger that the public will move rapidly from climate-change indifference to climate-change resignation. Although the situation is certainly very serious, there are signs that our politicians are waking up to the scale of the problem and the next few months may see progress being made. 

At a global level, realisation is growing that protecting the world’s tropical rainforests really is a ‘no-brainer’. About a fifth of greenhouse gas emissions come from the loss of forests, which simply shouldn’t be happening.

These forests are the world’s richest ecosystems, home to myriad species – some beautiful, some less so, but all uniquely wonderful. But the world’s forests are also huge carbon stores. This ‘ecosystem service’ is provided free of charge – which is probably why we don’t value it sufficiently – and we need to find a way of paying for it if forests are to survive.

Hopes are rising that at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, governments will agree that such forests should be eligible for carbon credits in the global agreements that will follow on from the Kyoto Protocol. We urge the UK – whose position on this has been very positive - and other governments to agree practical measures that will massively reduce deforestation and carbon emissions.

Such measures ought to have been in place long ago. If governments across the world cannot find ways to save the rainforest and the wondrous life within it, then the outlook for our planet is irredeemably depressing.

The UK Climate Change Bill is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. However, the Government must be as bold in its actions as it has been in its words. The science now demands very deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions (of 80% not 60% by 2050) if we are to keep global temperature rise to within 20C of pre-industrial levels (the maximum increase that should even be contemplated).

The network of protected areas and nature reserves is the crucial ‘ark’ that buys nature time

The changes in policies and lifestyles that this will entail can only come about through skilful political leadership. The UK is already seen as a world leader because we have said the right things for a decade or more – Mr Brown must now ensure that we do the right things. The Stern Report, commissioned by Mr Brown, shows that urgent action is essential – fudge or failure will literally lead to disaster.

The rate and scale of unavoidable climate change combine to form an unprecedented assault on wildlife and the natural world. The Climate Change Bill must plan measures that help living things, including our own species, adapt to inevitable changes. We must help wildlife become more resilient to climate change; healthy populations today are an essential starting point.

The network of protected areas and nature reserves is the crucial ‘ark’ that buys nature time and provides the foundation for adaptation in the future. For example, the welcome expansions of UK bittern, marsh harrier, avocet and Dartford warbler populations were all fuelled by colonists from RSPB nature reserves.
 
Nature is already on the move – species are already trying to adapt to a changing climate. Later this year an important publication will add hugely to our knowledge; The Climatic Atlas of European Breeding Birds will give the best predictions yet of the potential changes in bird distributions over the next 100 years. There will be some winners, but more losers. 

Wildlife on the move needs places to go - more land will be needed for nature to adapt. A step change in habitat restoration and creation is needed and the RSPB, along with, and often working with, other conservation organisations, is beginning to rise to the challenge.

We take heart from the success of projects such as wetland creation at Lakenheath in Suffolk, where cranes bred this spring, the recreation of heathland at Minsmere and the restoration of pine forest at Abernethy in the Highlands. But we know we must do more. At Wallasea Island in Essex, our ambitious target is to restore the creeks and marshes over 800 hectares of coast and create a wonderful wild place, rich in birds.

Government action is urgently needed to deal with both the causes and consequences of climate change. Global problems need global leadership. The UK can provide that leadership – will Mr Brown take his opportunity?