The Chichester MP has welcomed Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ambitious environmental commitments today at the G7 Summit in France. The Prime Minister pledged £10 million to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest which is currently suffering from record numbers of forest fires.
The £10 million will be invested through the UK Department for International Development’s Partnerships for Forests programme to support local communities to help protect the Amazon. The Government also pledged to double their commitment to the international Green Climate Fund over the next four years to £1.44 billion, which invests in projects tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
The Amazon rainforest produces more than 20% of the world’s oxygen and is home to at least 10% of the known species in the world. Gillian said, “The damage being done by the forest fires is irreparable, destroying homes and habitats, and releasing smoke, CO2, and toxic levels of carbon monoxide into the atmosphere and surrounding communities. So it’s absolutely right that the international community steps up to help and I’m proud that the UK has pledged £10 million to support local efforts to fight these devastating fires.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson MP commented, “the fires ravaging the Amazon rainforest are not only heartbreaking, they are an international crisis. We stand ready to provide whatever help we can to bring them under control and help protect one of Earth’s greatest wonders.”
