Letter published in the Eastern Daily Press 30 September 2023 on the Loss of Biodiversity. Text as follows:
Dear Sir
A State of Nature report has just been published with damning predictions that one in six UK species is at risk of extinction. This is mainly due to pressures from habitat loss, pollution, disease and climate change, and the government has said in response that it is aiming to protect and preserve nature. This is ironic, as it has only just removed the mandatory planning requirement introduced by its own Environment Act 2021 to ensure 10% biodiversity net gain is applied to any new developments from November 2023. The government says it still intends to introduce this requirement but has not given any idea of when that might be. The continuing degradation of habitats and decline of biodiversity in our natural world will have major implications for our future, and Norfolk with its nature rich countryside and unique landscapes is at risk. We need healthy ecosystems for quality soil, clean air, fresh water, crop pollination and carbon sinks. They contribute to the beauty of our world, and our quality of life. Current losses can be reversed but only with a change in government to one which puts climate and nature at the top of its agenda and acts accordingly.
Kind Regards
Eleanor Laming
