Five years left to halt nature loss, charity warns

A wildlife charity in Suffolk has issued a warning that there are only five years left to stop the loss of nature and wildlife. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust is committed to protecting the county's natural environment and restoring habitats for animals and plants. On Tuesday, the charity launched a new campaign called Mission 2030, which aims to tackle climate change and restore natural habitats. The goal is to raise one million pounds over the next three years to support these efforts. Christine Luxton, the chief executive of the charity, emphasized that protecting nature requires the help of the public. She mentioned that simple actions, such as mowing lawns less frequently, can make a big difference for wildlife.

In 2022, during the United Nations Biodiversity Conference known as COP15, countries agreed to protect one-third of the planet for nature by 2030. However, scientists warned last year that progress towards this goal is not fast enough. Ms. Luxton said that since 2030 is now only five years away, it is important to increase efforts at the local level in Suffolk. She explained that saving wildlife is a task for everyone, and that nature has been lost gradually over time. This means it can also be restored gradually if everyone plays their part. The Mission 2030 campaign is designed to encourage this community effort.

Ms. Luxton explained that the one million pounds they hope to raise will allow the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to place nature advisors in local communities and work closely with schools and businesses. She stressed that every small action counts and encouraged individuals to focus on things they can control, like how often they cut their grass. She said the charity cannot reverse the loss of nature alone but can help raise awareness and inspire others to join the cause. She compared the effort to throwing a stone into a pond and creating ripples that spread out. If everyone does their part, these ripples will grow and lead to a positive change for nature across the county.