Climate change - where do National Parks fit in?
Climate change was the focus of a parliamentary reception that CNP held on 1 April in the House of Commons. Hosted by Tom Levitt, MP for High Peak, the event was attended by a number of parliamentarians as well as representatives from the National Parks. See the event handout
In his speech, Professor Adrian Phillips, one of CNP’s Vice Presidents, identified four areas where Park Authorities and the government can lead:
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research on what climate change is doing, and will do, to the economies, communities, wildlife and landscapes of the Parks
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incentives, regulation and advice to deliver carbon reductions, for example, through planning requirements on new buildings, energy conservation and micro-generation projects
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a land management and water strategy for each Park
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adapt to a new climate and rising sea levels in ways that create space for nature and still offer wild places for people to enjoy
Jonathan Shaw MP, the Government Minister for Marine, Landscape & Rural Affairs, agreed that the Parks have a vital role to play in helping the government to tackle climate change, for example, by spreading environmental messages to the millions of people who visit the Parks each year.
It was also suggested that the Parks needed to set a target of carbon neutrality and publish Park-by-Park strategies to get there by, say, 2025, but this would need to be in partnership with, and with the support of, other bodies such as the local community.
The event marked the 15th anniversary of the Corporate Forum for National Parks, a group of businesses that recognise the unique value of National Parks for conservation and recreation, and that agree to uphold these values in the development and application of their policies.
