Teignmouth Town Council has agreed to joining a campaign calling for the government to introduce a new law that would address the root causes of the climate and nature crisis.

At its meeting on Tuesday (January 13), Town councillors unanimously agreed to sign up to the Zero Hour campaign, which is urging the government to pass the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill.

The motion was brought by town councillor Jackie Jackson who explained that the town council had a moral obligation to care about a Bill that is trying to put back what people have been losing over the last few years.

The CAN Bill would enshrine the UK’s international commitments to cut emissions, reduce global warming and improve biodiversity into law.

‘The Climate and Nature Bill has three main aims,’ explained local campaigner Joanna Channelle. Firstly, to make sure the UK cuts its emissions fairly and fully to stand the best chance of reaching the 1.5 degree centigrade target under the Paris Agreement. Secondly, to ensure the UK reverses the destruction of nature by 2030. And thirdly, to involve citizens in the way forward by establishing people’s assemblies locally.

‘The Bill would create a joined-up plan since the crises of climate and nature are obviously joined up,’ Joanna added. ‘It will ensure that no-one and no community is left behind as we transition to a greener economy.’

Newton Abbot MP Martin Wrigley recently joined the cross-party caucus to support the Bill after meeting with representatives of several local environment groups in October.

Teignbridge District Council, Devon County Council and Holne Parish Council have already signed up to the Zero Hour campaign.

The CAN Bill, which was written by scientists, experts and campaigners, was originally introduced into parliament by Caroline Lucas MP in 2020. The current Bill, sponsored by South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage, was launched last January but only got as far as a second reading.