In early August, a wildfire destroyed the ancient Dunwich Heath in Suffolk. This precious landscape, home to rare wildlife including nightjars, Dartford warblers and adders, and visited by 100,000 people each year, was devastated in a matter of hours. This is not an isolated incident. As climate change progresses, so does the risk of extreme weather. Wildfires are becoming more frequent and more severe across the UK, threatening communities, nature, and our future.
In the hours that followed the fire at Dunwich, we saw the best of people. Farmers and neighbours supported fire crews on the frontline, local communities provided shelter and food for evacuees, charity groups rallied. And the same is true for fires that have raged across the UK this summer - from the Isle of Wight to the Mourne Mountains. People have done their bit. Now they need a Government response to match.
Now, we are calling on the Government to make three commitments:
- Make climate resilience a national mission led by a Cabinet-level minister with responsibility for preparedness across Government and long-term investment.
- Invest in nature as essential infrastructure, including peatlands, wetlands, rivers, woodlands and heathlands that help communities adapt to climate change, reduce environmental risks and support wildlife.
- Support Fire and Rescue Services with the funding, specialist skills, equipment and public awareness campaigns they need to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires and other climate hazards.
