Climate & Nature Bill

What is the Climate & Nature Bill?

The Climate & Nature (CAN) Bill, initiated by the Zero Hour campaign, is a landmark piece of legislation that would put the UK back on course to meet its climate and nature targets.

If passed, this CAN Bill would update climate and environmental legislation in line with commitments that the UK Government has already made internationally – firstly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with limiting global heating to 1.5C and secondly to reverse nature loss by 2030.

Successive governments have promised continuous progress as outlined in the Climate Change Act 2008 and the Carbon Budgets. The CAN Bill aims to close the widening gap between these promises and what is actually happening so we can see REAL change for climate and nature.

What difference could it make?

There is no existing UK climate legislation that tackles the climate and nature crises together. Since the two cannot be separated, we cannot achieve our goal for a thriving and more prosperous future without addressing both challenges in a joined-up way.

In January 2025 the government won a motion to end the debate on this bill, meaning it will not return to the House of Commons until next month. The CAN Bill would stop current and future governments from hoping future technologies will save the day and kicking the can down the road.

This vital bill would protect and restore our forests, soils and ecosystems at the same time as the government would steward a rapid reduction our total greenhouse gas emissions.

This won’t be easy which is why everyone must have a say in how we make the changes needed. That’s why the CAN Bill also calls for a citizens assembly which can help solve some of the tough problems that politicians can’t.

What difference could you make?

As one of the organisations that actively supports this campaign, Carbon Copy would really appreciate it if you would also show your support for the CAN Bill.

Most immediately, Zero Hour have prepared 650 open letters for every constituency in the country. It takes two minutes to sign it and it’s at zerohour.uk.

The open letter is a way to say that this issue is a community concern, not a political one. An issue that’s close to our heart and the people around us, where we would like to see REAL change.

If you have more time, Zero Hour have lots of useful materials to help you write or speak to others in support of this Bill. The Climate Coalition also have an online Local Intelligence Hub which gives you way to look at your community and the actions your MP has already taken – as a way of finding common ground and a starting point for more joined up action.

Raising your voice in whatever way you feel most comfortable could make a big difference in building momentum behind this pivotal piece of legislation.

For more ideas on how to Lobby For Change, visit our Big Local Action page.