The next generation needs us to act now

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our lifetime. I have responded to hundreds of emails from concerned residents, met with local groups, and visited schools to speak with young people on this - the younger generation are right to be concerned about the planet they inherit and to demand action. I am proud to have declared a climate emergency in Parliament earlier this year.
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I have worked with flood victims in refugee camps around the world, and the despair is palpable and tragic. It is heartbreaking that it is these vulnerable people who will further suffer the most from the devastating effects of climate change. We have no time to waste. I am determined to be part of the solution to protect our planet.

The current Environment Bill draft goes some way to address the climate crisis, but it needs to be more robust – where the Environment Bill will legislate to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the Labour-backed Green New Deal commits to achieving this goal by 2030. We are at crisis point and must make changes now.

Onshore wind is one of the cheapest ways to generate renewable energy. Despite this, the Tory Government continue to block new onshore wind projects. Onshore wind has a small environmental impact compared to other forms of energy generation. Blocking its development is, I believe, indefensible.

Lastly, I believe the choices we make on a daily basis have a huge impact on our planet, and making conscious decisions as consumers is one way we can all be part of tackling climate change. This can be as simple as reducing our use of single-use plastics. My Plastic Straw Pledge campaign was signed by 40+ local restaurants and bars who all vowed to go plastic-free.

Let's all do our bit to tackle climate change.
Tweets, videos and articles - click to view:
  • In October I spoke out in Parliament to support lowering voting age to have their voice heard on climate change.
  • In October I challenged the Secretary of State for Education about the need for inclusion of green technology skills in the curriculum.
  • In September I challenged the Secretary of State for Education on what guidance was available for teaching about climate change.
  • In July I spoke out in Parliament about the need to protect the world's most vulnerable from climate change.
  • In July I asked the Government what steps had been taken to protect future water supplies against disruption caused by climate change.
  • In June I visited a local primary school to discuss the dangers of climate change.
  • In June I spoke out against Boris Johnson's backtrack on the Heathrow expansion and reiterated my opposition of it.
  • In May I asked the Government what assessment they made of natural methods to tackle climate change.
  • In May I spoke out in Parliament about why I will be voting to declare a climate emergency.
  • In May I visited BYO, a zero waste shop in Tooting Market, to support their work to create sustainable change at a local level.
  • In November 2018 I questioned the Government on sustainable palm oil.
  • In November 2018 I questioned the Government on plans to tackle air pollution in major cities.
  • In October 2018 I questioned the Government about reducing single use plastic.
  • In April 2018 I updated residents on my Plastic Straws Pledge campaign.
  • In March 2018 I challenged the Government on recycling rates.
  • In February 2018 I appeared in The House magazine as Campaigner of the Week for the Plastic Straws Pledge.
  • In February 2018 I launched the Plastic Straws Pledge, signing all pubs and restaurants in Tooting up to pledge to reduce their plastic waste.
  • In February 2018 I spoke out against Wandsworth Council's track record on local open spaces.
  • In September 2017 I spoke out against Wandsworth Council's plan to tear down over a century old trees on Chestnut Avenue.
  • In September 2017 I featured in The Evening Standard to raise the issue of Chestnut Avenue.
  • In July 2017 I questioned the Government on air quality.