What's Happening?
The Church of England has voted against a proposal to rewild 30% of its land by 2030, a decision that has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners. The church, which owns approximately 42,500 hectares of land, currently uses only 3.5% for nature
restoration. The motion, introduced by Rev Canon Val Plumb, aimed to align with the UK's international commitment to restore 30% of land for nature by 2030. However, the church's national assembly passed an alternative amendment without specific rewilding targets, citing legal obligations and the need for long-term capital growth. This decision has been criticized by groups like Wild Card, who argue that the church missed an opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership in the face of a global environmental crisis.
Why It's Important?
The decision by the Church of England is significant as it highlights the tension between environmental goals and institutional responsibilities. As one of the largest landowners in England, the church's actions could have set a precedent for other landowners to follow suit in environmental restoration efforts. The rejection of the rewilding plan may slow progress towards the UK's 30by30 target, which is crucial for halting the decline in biodiversity. This decision also reflects broader challenges in balancing economic interests with environmental sustainability, a key issue in global climate policy discussions.
