‘Climate change poses a major threat to UK biodiversity, the variety of plants, animals and life, at a time when it is already degrading rapidly. Overall, the abundance and distribution of UK terrestrial and freshwater species has declined by 13% since 1970’. Increasingly Local Authorities are committing to action on the ecological emergency alongside their declarations of a climate emergency.
The Environment Act made clear that the country would target nature recovery, increase species numbers, and ensure biodiversity is increased everywhere by obliging developers to contribute to habitat restoration and biodiversity projects. These efforts are also being taken forward in Gloucestershire as we look to capitalise on the county’s outstanding natural beauty, via a Local Nature Recovery Strategy, work to improve and expand our rivers and wetlands and give people further access to natural spaces.
Biodiversity also provides huge opportunity to mitigate risks and avoid costs across the climate, health and business sectors. Benefits from green infrastructure include, increasing employment and visitor numbers, reducing absenteeism, increasing inward investment, improving wellbeing and attracting talent to the county.