It had been expected that the threat to the Gwent Levels had been finally removed by the Welsh Government. However, it has been revived by the Westminster government under Boris Johnson who has a record of proposals for pointless environment-destroying schemes. Let us hope the current one joins the Thames Estuary Airport and the Garden Bridge on the scrap-heap. WWF's Waterlife magazine's special edition on wetlands provides some positive ammunition on why we need more wetlands:
1 A CARBON STORAGE NETWORK
Wetlands fight climate change
With just 12 years left to limit global warming to safe levels, the UK is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Saltmarshes store more carbon, more quickly than any other ecosystem. [...]
2 A FLOOD PROTECTION NETWORK
Wetlands protect communities
Flooding is one of the top climate change risks, affecting five million households in England alone. Wetlands offer low-cost ways to manage the flow of water. [...]
3 AN URBAN WELLBEING NETWORK
Wetlands provide access to nature
Poor mental health affects one in four people each year and costs the NHS over £34bn a year. Wetlands are excellent for wellbeing, providing blue spaces on people's doorsteps.
No comments:
Post a Comment