Political View: Climate change is happening and it's affecting us in Peterborough

Wildfires have broken out across the UK this summer, fuelled by record breaking heatwaves. Over 23,000 hectares have been burnt with 72 fires being larger than 30 hectares, writes Green Party cllr Nicola Day.

Holme Fen is still burning as I write and firefighters are still tackling the blaze that currently resides deep in the peat bed of this reserve. The devastation to the already depleted natural world is horrifying. We wish to extend our thanks to all of the firefighters and volunteer teams that have worked hard under exhausting conditions to bring this under control.

Green Party Leader Zack Polanski labeled the climate emergency as the 'biggest threat to this country since the Second World War,' calling for an immediate, full scale emergency response to extreme weather. He demanded that oil and gas companies fund fire services, urged public ownership of water, and pushed for increased local, accessible cool spaces.

The response to this was a COBRA meeting chaired by Andy Burnham. These are the meetings that happen when there is supposed to be an emergency response from government. Former Green MP Caroline Lucas, speaking on LBC said 'I was horrified that the principal response from that meeting was nothing more than a polite request to consider withdrawing disposable BBQs.'

Locally the Greens have been grateful of the support from the current administration of Labour, Lib Dems and Peterborough First for the Climate and Environment motions and policy we have passed, along with the ongoing work of council officers on this matter. However, nationally both Conservatives and Labour have failed to give this critical issue, which all our lives and our future children's lives depend on, the serious attention and funding it deserves.

Reform have been perpetuating lies and myths about net zero, renewable energy and the origins of the climate crisis. The party called for new North Sea oil and gas drilling ahead of UK local elections in May, based on the ill-founded claim that it would cut energy bills. An investigative report by Desmog revealed that Reform UK has received more than £24 million from fossil fuel and high-carbon interests, accounting for over two-thirds of the party's total income.

The Greens, through the local Government Association, have been pushing for the climate, environment and nature crisis to be given the kudos of a statutory service, akin to Children's Services and Adult Social Services. Local councils will be on the coal-face of these emergencies and need the provisions to protect and support their residents.

The Peterborough Green Party recently hosted a filming of the National Emergency Briefing, this was a non-party political event aimed at informing the public about the critical levels of the climate and nature crisis, as well as offering solutions. We had a packed community hall and it was great to discuss openly with local residents the fears and concerns they have with a panel of elected representatives following the briefing. It was a shame neither of our MPs were able to attend. We hope they can attend one in future and we hope they back the calls to televise this National Emergency Briefing. To find out more or to hold your own filming go to: https://www.nebriefing.org/