Bristol businesses back climate and nature bill

In honor of World Environment Day, local businesses are urging MPs to back a climate bill before the next election.

More than 70 businesses in Bristol have signed a letter backing the Climate and Nature (CAN) Bill, which aims to tackle climate change and environmental destruction.

The letter urges MPs to consider the “increasingly vulnerable impacts of climate-related extreme weather events”.

Signatories include Triodos Bank, Arup, Boston Tea Party, Silverback Films and Natracare, among others.

The CAN Bill was introduced to Parliament in September 2020 and ultimately aims to create a “sustainable local economy” by mitigating environmental risks.

The letter explains the adverse effects of an “unpredictable and chaotic climate on supply chains”, causing business costs to skyrocket.

It says, “As we hear so often, there is no business on a dead planet.

“The CAN Act will help reverse the destruction of nature here in the UK, as well as tackling the damage the UK is causing to nature globally through our ecological footprint overseas.”

The joint letter will be sent to Bristol Central, Bristol East, Bristol North East, Bristol North West and Bristol South MPs next week.

Zero Hour, a campaign created to support the bill, helps the public connect with local lawmakers, who they can urge to support the bill.

James Sutton, head of strategic partnerships at Zero Hour, says it “represents an opportunity” for businesses, helping them prevent damage from extreme weather.

Bevis Watts, CEO of Triodos Bank UK, said the letter was a way of “representing combined voices”.

He said: “By supporting the Climate and Nature Bill, (MPs) will play a vital role in ensuring a bright future for Bristol’s businesses and a happy, healthy and prosperous future for its people.”

“It’s something we would all vote for,” he added.

Founder of feminine hygiene products Natracare, Susie Hewson, said she believes local businesses must play their part in reducing the harmful effects of climate change.

“To pick up the pace, local political candidates must amplify our combined voices in Parliament,” she said.

Boston Tea Party CEO Sam Roberts reiterates his mission to make positive, systemic change for staff, customers and the planet.

“We believe doing good is good for business,” he said.

“And while we are always working to make a positive impact in our local communities through our coffee shops, we need systemic national change to address the challenges facing our planet.”

The bill is backed by more than 180 MPs from all major parties in the UK Parliament and more than 800 potential parliamentary candidates who will contest the general election in July.