May’s Top Tip

This May………………………….. Make your voice count for the environment in the upcoming elections.

If you are UK based, May is election month, with local elections taking place this Thursday 5th May 2022. Using your right to vote to have your say on change in your country has always been important, but now more than ever it is important for using your voice for the environment. There is only so much we as individuals can change, and a climate conscious government, both at local and national scale, is imperative to creating lasting changes to help fight climate change. So to combine the two worlds, who we vote in matters, and it is up to us to pick representatives who will enact climate action. Here is what to look out for this election and for future votes too:

• Research your local candidates and analyse their manifestos. Do they refer to the climate crisis? How far down in the document does it take for them to acknowledge it? If you read a leaflet or article which does not refer to the environment, that is a huge red flag and should be considered when deciding which parties to support ⚠
• Does the candidate only refer to the environment briefly with little significant proposals? Political greenwashing is frequently used and if you can identify it you can rule out another non-climate -committed party.
• Is sustainability mentioned throughout topics, such as the local community, economy and other local needs? Sustainable development doesn’t end with the environment and effects all aspects of society, so shouldn’t only be referred to in one section. Everything effects the climate, and climate change effects everything!

This election, choose someone who represents your values and the lives of those who can’t speak out – our wildlife and natural environment. The climate crisis in the biggest problem of our time and those candidates who fail to acknowledge this are not only failing their constituents but failing to understand our modern world. No other problem in society can be fixed without a stable planet, so do your research, use your voice and make sure environmental issues matter. 💚