Natural England

12 March 2008

Urgent and stronger action is needed if the natural environment is to effectively adapt to the future impacts of climate change, warns Natural England in response to the 2008 Budget.

Speaking in response to the measures introduced today, Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, said: “The steps taken in today’s Budget are a move in the right direction to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, we encourage the Government to be more bold and innovative in its use of environmental taxation to help adaptation to the effects to climate change too.”

“There will be implications for UK plc if we do not enable the natural environment to become more resilient in the face of climate change - resilient ecosystems contribute to a wide range of public services.”

Sir Martin continued: “New, innovative approaches and dependable sources of funding over the long-term are needed if we are to secure the future of our natural environment. For example, tourism taxes or user charges could, if designed in the right way, provide additional sources of funding.”

“There is also an important role for instruments such as the proposed ‘Community Infrastructure Levy’. Revenue raising instruments of this kind should both mitigate any negative impacts of future developments on the natural environment whilst also providing a source of dedicated funding to ensure a net increase in high quality green infrastructure that is robust in the face of climate change,” concluded Sir Martin.

Natural England aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 50% by 2010.