Zero Hour is the campaign for the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN). This is a plan for a new UK law that addresses the climate and nature crisis in line with the most up-to-date science. This Bill is the only proposed legislation before the UK Parliament. The bill ensures a comprehensive and joined-up approach to the emergency, and which commits to reversing biodiversity loss by 2030.
What can I do to support the bill?
The bill is having a debate before parliament and needs your help to become law. Please write to your MP, to your council, and to other UK organisations to get them to support the bill and make sure it progresses through the parliamentary calendar.
Zero Hour are planning a “constituency week” between 12th and 18th November 2024 to raise interest, attract attention, and gather even more parliamentary support. You can download resources and gain inspiration for activities at the link here. Will you help?
Progress to Date
The UK made history with the Climate Change Act 2008. However, much has changed since this became law. Now we know even more about the challenges and opportunities of working with nature and planet earth rather than against it.
The Climate and Nature Bill has gathered considerable support before. It was previously known as the CEE bill. As yet had chance to progress through the parliamentary calendar. This time could be different with a new government in power and time to make sure the bill has a debate and properly reviewed.
The bill enjoys cross-party support and considerable popular appeal, but still needs help to become law. It needs to be a top priority, but it is getting lost in a busy calendar of competing interests and voices. The bill is important to ensure that there is strong legislation to address the climate and nature emergencies. It also will send a strong signal to the financial and job markets to marshal resources and that the UK is not caught out by the changing demands of a changing climate.
What’s next?
The CAN bill had its first reading in parliament in October 2024. The first reading is essentially just an introduction of the bill to the parliamentary calendar. The second reading is scheduled for 24 January 2025. This will be the first opportunity for MPs to debate the general principles and themes of the Bill. It is essential that 102 supporting MPs attend and vote for the bill. Even if your MP has stated their support for the bill, it is very important that they attend the reading in person.
I want to help
Please write to your MP, to your council, and to other UK organisations to get them to support the bill and make sure it progresses through the parliamentary calendar. You can find details about identifying and contacting your MP here. Please ask that they attend the debate on 24 January 2024 and support the bill.
Please show support during the Zero Hour Constituency Week between 12th and 18th November 2024. You can download Zero Hour’s pack here (pdf).
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