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Stark warning on climate change
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published their latest report in August, with the most updated understanding of the climate system and how our climate is changing. Their message is bold; we are experiencing unprecedented climatic changes at an alarming rate that will impact us all.
We are lucky to live in the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve area. However, despite the beauty found in our coastal areas, rolling countryside hills and woodlands, experts say we are not immune to the impacts of a changing climate.
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Mike Moser, Chair of the Biosphere’s Nature Improvement Group says, “Climate change is increasingly one of the root causes of nature’s decline across the North Devon Biosphere, compounding the historical loss of natural habitats, intensification of land use and the use of insecticides and herbicides.”
“Our newly launched nature recovery plan aims to make natural habitats more resilient to climate change by increasing their size and quality, and through increasing connectivity and dynamism so that species can move across the landscape.”
The Biosphere team is looking at local actions to increase carbon sequestration in soils, hedges and woodland - described as a “win-win” for nature and the wider climate. “Restoring wetlands will sustain river flows and help reduce flood risk. Meanwhile, restoring natural coastal habitats can play a key role in buffering the effects of sea level rise,” Mike told Molton Monthly.
He says there is hope and great opportunity for action to reverse nature’s decline, but this requires commitment and action from us all. Last month Molton Monthly became a North Devon Biosphere Business Partner to help promote this vital campaign - the magazine has made commitments towards conservation, local development and awareness raising.
You’re urged to get involved and sign the Nature Recovery Declaration and begin to take action to help heal nature; northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/naturerecovery-plan
Natural North Devon at Watersmeet - photo by Pete Robinson
