Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) The faith of our planet hangs in the balance. As the European Parliament approaches the vote on the Nature Restoration Law on July 11; we, as Europeans, have the chance to tip the scales and convince elected representatives to do what’s needed to restore nature and ultimately make a leap forward in the fight against climate change.
Our window of opportunity is closing. And not just for supporting the Nature Restoration Law. As Italy still grapples with the aftermath of heavy rains that left thousands homeless; in Spain, a severe drought is affecting water resources and agriculture.
It is becoming clearer by the minute that climate change is a challenge that goes beyond the confines of our borders; but when we look at the European Union for decisive action and forward-thinking solutions, all we are seeing is politicians carrying on as usual by favoring short-term gains over the long-term wellbeing of generations to come.
In fact, conservatives are holding the Nature Restoration Law hostage, claiming that it will threaten the livelihoods of European farmers and ultimately hinder the global food supply chain.
Restoring habitats is actually key to our food security
As always, science tells a completely different story. The real threat to food security is the decline of bee and butterfly species: almost 30% of all farmland butterflies have been lost since 1991, affecting at least partly 84% of our crops across our continent, especially fruit trees.
If we want to continue to get healthy and good food on our table, restoring the delicate and complex relationship between soil, microbes, plants and pollinators is key and evidence shows that more resilient agricultural ecosystems actually increase food security, potentially also reducing the need to import crops from other countries.
Good for nature, good for our economy, and good against climate change
Restoring nature is not just good for our health and food security, it’s even good for the economy.
The European Commission estimates that every euro used to restore our lands and sea will provide a return between €8 and €38, further building the case that a healthy environment is not only beneficial to our food security but more broadly to our society. And if this is not enough proof that nature restoration is good for business, more than 100 companies have also stepped up their efforts and openly urged the European Parliament to support this important law.
At Volt, we are also strong advocates for peatlands and wetlands restoration as a way to effectively combat climate change. In fact, scientists proved that peatlands can store twice as much carbon as forests, making our air cleaner for everyone.
Finally, a healthy environment can also mitigate heavy rains, floods, and other extreme weather events and increase the capacity of the soil to retain water – a key aspect to ensure that not only do we have good food on our tables but also healthy water both for consumption and production.
What can you do to support Nature Restoration?
Restoring our habitats is going to play an essential role in the well-being of our children and all future generations to come. On 11 July, the European Parliament has the unique opportunity to take a leap forward in ensuring that all of us have access to healthy food and water for generations to come: we can’t let short-term gains get in the way.
At Volt, we believe that together, as Europeans, we still have a fighting chance to convince Members of the European Parliament to vote responsibly and support nature restoration. So, help us spread the word and use the power of your own voice to stand up against conservative politics and for a healthy environment for all.
If we care about nature restoration, so will our politicians!
