New RSPB report: invest in nature to creates jobs, boost biodiversity and save lives - RSPB
RSPB urges candidates in May’s England metro mayoral elections to make investing in nature a priority, as a new report says it could create jobs, reduce inequality and save the NHS £billions - saving lives in the process.
The report Recovering together 2 published today (14 December) summarises the social, environmental and economic benefits of investing in nature.
In numbers:
- £2.1 billion – annual saving to the NHS if everyone in England had good access to greenspace.
- £16 billion – cost to the UK economy of failing to protect nature and reverse biodiversity loss.
- £60 billion – the value of environmental goods and services to the UK economy in 2015.
- 750,000 – number of full-time equivalent jobs supported by the natural environment in the UK.
- 11 million – number of people in England living in areas with limited access to greenspace.
- 84% – percentage of adults in England in favour of the Government increasing the number of accessible nature-rich areas.
The RSPB is urging sitting England metro mayors and candidates standing in May’s mayoral elections to make investing in nature a priority, as a new report suggests it could save lives by improving public health and reducing inequality in access to nature-rich greenspace.
Recovering together 2 draws on studies by organisations including Public Health England, the Office for National Statistics and WWF to present evidence for the value of nature’s contribution to our health, economy and prosperity.
The report points to evidence of inequality in access to nature and its benefits for people from different economic groups and ethnic backgrounds, and corresponding differences in health outcomes.
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Posted On: 14/12/2020