Young Cotswold activists launch climate change petition

The 17 to 18-year-olds from Cirencester are asking ministers to back the Climate and Nature Bill, a private member’s bill that the South Cotswolds MP, Roz Savage, is sponsoring.

If it becomes law, the bill would mean the government must adopt a science-led plan to tackle both climate change and nature loss.

The bill already has support from 192 cross-party MPs, 54 peers, 384 local councils, nearly 1,000 organisations, and more than 1,200 of the UK’s leading climate scientists, ecologists, and conservationists.

Rachel, 17, said: “This petition means a lot to us as young people by giving us a voice so we can have a say in our future.”

Jess, 18, added: “Roz Savage’s advocacy for the Climate and Nature Bill inspired us to act.

“It has given us hope, as the bill is founded on science and truth.

“We started this petition to show that our community supports ambitious, meaningful action to protect our climate and our natural world.”

The teenagers hope their petition will generate momentum for the bill in parliament, as they believe existing government policy is inadequate.

The group also wants to address the widespread belief among their peers that the battle against climate change is already lost.

They feel that the current mood of anxiety and hopelessness makes it easier to ignore pressing issues such as rising global temperatures, floods, wildfires, and droughts.

Jo Winson, who helped the group launch the petition, said: “I admire these young people for wanting to have their voices heard; and it’s essential that they are listened to, especially when it’s related to the biggest issue of our time.

“The stakes could not be higher.

“Currently they are being failed.

“These teenagers know what is at stake and that they face inheriting a broken world if the Government of today doesn’t act faster.”

To sign the petition please go to: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/738625

The Climate and Nature Bill was adjourned in January at its second reading.

This led to several government concessions, including a new annual climate and nature statement in the House of Commons.