The RSPB have launched a major report titled 'Climate Change, wildlife and adaptation' which urges the government to include wildlife in their climate change legislation this year. Released to coincide with party conference season the report says funds should be pledged to back up these guarantees, and should be laid out in the Climate Change Bill, expected in the Queen's speech in November. A very important measure will be assistance for vulnerable species when their habitats become too wet, too dry or too warm. Birds such as lapwing, redshank and other waders in south-east England are already at risk as hot summers dry out their wetland habitat.
Ruth Davis, the RSPB's Head of Climate Change and co-author of the report, said: 'The biggest long-term threat facing wildlife is climate change. Many species won't adapt quickly enough unless we help them and if we don't help them, we could lose them. We must improve existing habitats and reduce the impact of persecution, pollution and development on existing wildlife populations. Then we must create new habitats into which wildlife can move. For some species, this will mean more hedgerows, ponds or ditches. Others will need new, bigger heathlands, wetlands or grasslands in areas not now managed for environmental benefit.
The RSPB want 20% of land in England managed for nature conservation as a core objective, at the moment it's only 5%. The Society are doing their bit by doubling the 340,000-acre area it manages in the UK by 2030, and next week will announce major plans for climate change adaptation measures on a new site in England. The report adds that an additional £300 million will be required to meet the 1,149 government targets for the recovery of threatened plants, birds and other animals.
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