Target: George Eustice, UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Goal: Invest fully in agroforestry as means of fighting climate crisis.
Earth Day reminds us of why seeking proactive solutions to the climate crisis is so critical. A few years ago, the United Kingdom (UK) promoted agroforestry as one such promising solution. The UK government announced a plan to subsidize and reimburse farmers for devoting a portion of their land to planting trees. These trees could then act as carbon soakers and natural habitats for years to come. While the investment seemed like a great idea, farmers are now claiming officials are making it difficult, if not impossible, to fulfill this promise.
For one, although this proposal was developed some time ago, the government has offered little to no detail on how it would actually work. While many farmers want to plant trees, they are unsure if their leaders still maintain the same dedication. They worry about giving up their land for crops with no firm commitment that they will receive the compensation promised. Further, current unrelated subsidy policies that have yet to be amended may actually financially penalize farmers for tree-planting.
Agroforestry seems to have lost priority in the UK. Sign the petition below to urge leaders to re-examine their priorities.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Eustice,
The woodland creation scheme has stalled, and the environment will suffer for it. Farmers are either receiving no information about this plan or are witnessing their land bought up by corporations for carbon credit schemes. These individuals are clearly worried about their livelihoods being impacted by a vague and inflexible plan of action that has so far seen no action.
Please make the celebration of Earth Day about more than just promises and pledges. Rejuvenate this important initiative and restore the faith of farmers and citizens who want a cleaner and greener future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Pragyan Bezbaruah
1503 Signatures