A new poll reveals how badly people think all main parties are faring on tackling the nature and climate crises. It reveals that a majority of the public in the South West of England think the main parties are doing poorly on river pollution (89%), nature loss (80%), climate change (74%), and ensuring communities can benefit from nature (75%).

And yet the poll shows environmental issues are a key concern for voters:

• 82% think that nature is important for our well-being and economic prosperity
• Most people (57%) consider environmental issues to be at least as important as other issues facing the country
• 34% will vote based on environmental policies offered by candidates

The poll was conducted by Savanta and commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts: 2,221 UK adults were interviewed between 31^st May and 2^nd June 2024.

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“People know that our natural world is in crisis and that this disaster has consequences for us all. Last year’s State of Nature report revealed catastrophic declines in wildlife with 1 in 6 species at risk of extinction from Britain. Nature is in freefall and this fact has repercussions for our health, our ability to produce food, and our capacity to withstand floods, drought and heat.

“The UK has endured its first ever 40°C day and we’ve suffered the wettest 18 months since records began. The Climate Change Committee, who advise the UK Government on climate, has cautioned that the UK has lost its position as a global leader on climate, and that policy development and implementation continues to be too slow. We’re appealing to all candidates to champion the greatest challenge of our times and show the leadership that people want to see – they must put restoring nature at the heart of their campaigns.” 

The new poll also asked people to identify environmental priorities for the next government. The top five were:

1. Ensuring nature is properly protected in our seas (50%)
2. Halving pollution in rivers from sewage and farming by 2030 (45%)
3. Upgrading the energy efficiency of homes to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions (38%)
4. Helping farmers reduce emissions and adapt to climate change by embedding adaptation into farm payment schemes (37%)
5. Providing more money to support nature-friendly farming (37%)

Devon Wildlife Trust is calling on all political parties to commit to halting and reversing the loss of nature by:

1. Bringing nature back to life: Restoring nature

• Make more space for nature to halt its decline

• Protect 30% of land and sea by 2030
• Properly protect Marine Protected Areas

2. Turning the tide on dirty rivers: Protecting and clean up our rivers

• Empower environmental watchdogs to enforce laws

• Halve nutrient pollution by 2030

3. Farming with nature: Feeding our nation sustainably

• Increase funds for wildlife-friendly farming
• Halve pesticide use and maintain bans on harmful substances
• Help farmers adapt to climate change and farm with nature

There are just over five years until 2030 when the UK Government will be legally obliged under the Environment Act to have halted species decline – but trends are currently moving in the opposite direction. 

On Monday 10^th June at 6pm Devon Wildlife Trust is holding a Nature Hustings. This will give voters a unique chance to ask the main political parties about their environmental policies and plans. The hustings which are being held on-line are open to everybody and free to attend. However, people must pre-book for the event here.

On Saturday 22^nd June, Devon Wildlife Trust will be at the Restore Nature Now rally in London to call on UK politicians to show strong domestic and global nature and climate leadership. Devon Wildlife Trust has organised a coach from Exeter to London to go up to the march. Book here.

Devon Wildlife Trust is asking people to take a Satisfaction Survey and rate prospective parliamentary candidates on the subject of nature and climate.