Benn warns on climate change and biodiversity
November 9, 2009
In delivering the annual Darwin Lecture, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Hilary Benn, is warning that, as climate change begins to take effect, urgent action is needed on an international basis to protect the world’s natural habitats and species.
The threat to animals such as pandas and polar bears has been well publicised, but people are less aware that a variety of UK species are under threat from a combination of climate change and loss of habitat. Mr Benn is warning that species such as songthrushes, skylarks, toads, puffins and woodpeckers could become very rare as numbers fall and their typical habitat diminishes.
Whilst speaking at the Natural History Museum, Mr Benn stated that, at present, the world is failing to protect its biodiversity. He also made the point that, the challenges we currently face, eg climate change, food supply security, development and loss of biodiversity are all interconnected, and therefore require a cohesive approach. He concluded with the reminder that, while 2009 has been the year of climate change, next year will be the International Year of Biodiversity.
The Environment Secretary is expected to urge the international community to establish a target for protecting and improving biodiversity.
Print this page