COLUMN by South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage 

This year the UK saw one of the wettest, warmest springs on record.

We recently saw terrible scenes of destruction in the modern city of Valencia, caused by an apocalyptic downpour.

Meanwhile, appalling drought is devastating Southern Africa. None of us are immune to the impacts of climate change.  

My Private Members Climate and Nature Bill comes before Parliament in January.

It is all about how the UK can meet its environmental goals to the benefit of people and businesses, communities and our precious planet. 

We need to find the right balance between technology and nature-based solutions.

The latter have emerged as a frontrunners in the fight against climate change.

Regenerating soil, allowing areas to rewild, encouraging tree planting, and protecting our oceans – these are all ways we can tackle the climate crisis without destroying our beloved countryside. 

In my recent meeting with the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), I was struck by the innovative approaches our farmers are taking to enhance biodiversity and capture carbon.

These include more tree planting and "cover cropping" that not only improve soil health but also contribute significantly to our climate goals.

Such nature-based solutions could provide up to 37% of the climate mitigation needed to achieve the Paris Agreement targets by 2030. 

Community-led renewable energy projects present another promising path.

I recently met Dale Vince, the visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Gloucestershire-based energy firm, Ecotricity.

He highlighted the transformative power of local renewable energy initiatives. 

A great example of this locally is the Red Barn project near Kington St Michael.

These community energy initiatives contribute to our clean energy goals, create local jobs and provide tangible benefits to residents by cutting their household bills, and to local communities by funding important projects.  

Another is the Solar for Schools programme, who recently sent a delegation to Parliament.

Schools fitting solar panels can generating around 25% of their energy, cutting bills when cash is tight and educating the next generation. 

These initiatives gain local support by including nearby communities in the design process.

They can be implemented faster than vast developments that create division and disruption, and have high up-front costs.

Large solar farms also have big carbon footprints that take years to turn net positive, while financial benefits too often go to a tiny number of landowners and offshore shareholders who pay no tax here.

This is why I oppose the vast proposed Lime Down project that will impact negatively on many village communities and swallow huge numbers of farmers' fields right next door to the Cotswolds National Landscape. 

Combatting climate change is overwhelmingly supported by the public.

However, polls show there is a perception of empty words versus actual action by politicians in the UK.

My Climate and Nature Bill has measurable and deliverable outcomes, and recognises that climate change and the destruction of nature are interlinked.

Action now is not just good for the planet, but ultimately good for Purton, Cricklade, Cirencester, Fairford, and the rest of our flood-prone communities. 

The path to sustainability is achievable, but needs a balanced, evidence-based approach.

The inspiring work of our farmers, community energy pioneers, and forward-thinking politicians shows that, together, we can create a sustainable future for all.