The conference comes at a time when the latest study suggests the Earth’s wildlife has plummeted by almost 70% in the last 50 years. The evidence is clear that Yorkshire’s nature is in trouble too.

The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world – and across Yorkshire, wildlife has suffered over recent decades from loss of habitat, pollution and now the impacts of a changing climate. 

What happens at COP15 will directly affect wildlife in Yorkshire.

Rachael Bice, Chief Executive for Yorkshire Wildlife Trust said today:

“We need a global framework to protect nature, and we need local action across Yorkshire. At the Trust we are determined to play our part in working with everyone across the county – local authorities, farmers, businesses, local communities – so that our actions are joined up and make a meaningful difference. 

“The next eight years need to show a dramatic improvement for nature, to fulfil the proposal to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030 – something that the UK has already promised to do. Worryingly, the Government’s current plans could mean even less wildlife in 20 years’ time than we have now.

“In Yorkshire we are working hard to restore nature – to help wildlife recover and to help us mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. We are currently collating data so that we have evidence to focus our ambitious efforts in Yorkshire, and we want to work hand in hand with communities across the county to help them take meaningful action too. 

“We go into 2023 optimistic about our plans for a wilder Yorkshire, but it’s going to take action from the heart of our cities and towns to our uplands and coast, to strengthen our environment for the challenges ahead.”