In March we delve into the theme of natural environment, explaining how the loss biodiversity fuels climate change.
The links between climate change and our natural environment are evident however not always clear. The surrounding world, from your back garden to the tropical rainforests in Brazil, inhabit vast ecosystems of plants and animals that when corrupted and depleted, set off a whole chain of events that unquestionably impact our climate.
In 2019 we announced the climate emergency and following that we developed our first Climate Emergency Response Plan (CERP), this covers a vast range of topics and how everyone within County Durham is teaming up to tackle climate change. In 2024 we are developing our next CERP set to release this summer. Alongside these plans we have set a target of 2045 to reduce carbon emissions in County Durham, and a council target of 2030, but part of this is to achieve a thriving and resilient ecosystem that can withstand extreme weather of all kinds.
Natural Environment
The natural environment is the living and non-living elements of our ecosystems, from flora and fauna to air, water, and soil. The natural environment provides us with food, fresh air and clean water, it is vital to our survival and our earths wellbeing. Across County Durham we have hundreds of residents and businesses working hard to preserve our wonderous environment.
Our actions across County Durham aim to improve natures resilience against storms, droughts, wildfires, and emerging threats. There are lots of projects in the works and in completion that a have made a difference. For example, 16000 hectares of blanket bog has been restored to avoid 192000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Or the work being done on blue carbon and peatlands which you can read about in two of our past articles. There are so many other projects in the works that are improving the natural environment of County Durham.
Climate change is threatening hundreds of unique species across County Durham. For example, high altitude plants, such as Teesdale’s unique arctic and alpine flora, have adapted to low temperatures and are likely to decline in response to rising temperatures. Losing nature puts us at greater risk. Without local plants like wildflowers, our pollinators may struggle, leading to a decline in local bees, butterflies, and overall biodiversity.
Ecological Emergency
Along with the crucial climate emergency work, it is crucial that we also tackle the ecological emergency. The diversity and health of our ecosystems are under threat. We declared an ecological emergency on April 6, 2022, Which details projects and actions taken to encourage healthy ecosystems protection and development that play a crucial role in preventing flooding, regulating temperatures, and storing carbon, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change.
In order to tackle the ecological emergency, we have developed the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). This strategy is a blueprint for the recovery of nature in County Durham, prioritising local needs and focusing on specific measures to support diverse ecosystems.
The LNRS also helps by guiding:
- planning and development: It will guide how and where we plan for new development.
- nature-based solutions: It will identify key locations for nature-based solutions for climate change.
- health and wellbeing: It will promote the development of accessible nature-rich spaces.
- investment: It will help to attract and guide future investment for nature recovery in County Durham.
Across the United Kingdom implementation of nationwide initiatives to address biodiversity loss are taking place. National policies focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and public engagement to encourage everyone to take part and take responsibility.
There are a few things you can do to help
- Share your knowledge: keep your friends and family updated and in the know, encourage others to read up and take action.
- Supporting local conservation efforts: Keep an eye on local action and take part or donate where possible.
- Adopting sustainable practices in daily life: be mindful of all actions you make, and think about ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
- Follow Signs and Rules While Walking: Respect unwalked land, keep gates closed, and adhere to rules to preserve natural areas.
In conclusion, the path towards a sustainable future lies in our collective efforts. By understanding, supporting, and actively participating, we can safeguard County Durham’s natural environment for generations to come.
Useful definitions
Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a dynamic community of living organisms interacting with their environment.
Ecological: Ecological pertains to the study of relationships among living organisms and their surroundings.
Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing species, genetics, and ecosystems, crucial for overall planetary health.
