RGS East Lecture: Jonathon Porritt

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The RGS has a series of regional committees who put on events around the country through the year. I serve on the committee of the Eastern region. 

These are varied in nature. Last week I went to a lecture by Jonathon Porritt, a campaigner on environmental issues for over 50 years who was reflecting on what he had (or hadn't) achieved during that time. It was kindly hosted by Norwich School.

Jonathon talked for forty minutes without notes or visuals. He referred to the government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill which threatens to undo a lot of work that has been done.

He referred to the work of the Wildlife Trusts who are campaigning against the changes.

He also mentioned something that is mentioned here: how apparently bats and newts aren't "to blame" for projects being cancelled. They deserve protection, and perhaps it's the developments that are in the wrong place when there are so many empty properties owned by wealthy individuals and brownfield land that could be developed.


A recent poll, shows that the public think the Government is failing nature. 
Conducted by Savanta and commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts, it finds:

Less than a third of adult voters believe the Government is taking the nature crisis seriously enough (26%), is listening to local people in planning decisions (24%) and is achieving success in expanding nature-rich habitats (24%).

Less than a third (32%) also felt the Government had kept its promise to improve access to nature, promote biodiversity and protect our landscapes and wildlife.

Just a quarter of respondents (25%) said they would support new building developments in their local area if these new developments harmed the local environment.

He also referred to COP30 in Belém....

He did his best to remain optimistic, and quoted Martin Luther King when he said: 

"Only when it is dark enough can you see the stars"

 And boy is it dark at the moment...

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