Wild Land News no 57, Spring 2003

Everyone Campaign Article

Scotland's environmental groups campaigning together

The 'everyone' campaign is an initiative from Scottish Environment LINK to push the environment up the political agenda in the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary elections. LINK represents some 25 organisations (including SWLG) with nearly half a million supporters and is calling on all political parties and candidate MSPs to outline their commitment to the environment.

A System 3 poll for the 'everyone' campaign found that

86% of people think the environment is an important political issue
51% say environmental issues are likely to affect how they vote
25% rated the performance of the Scottish Parliament on environmental issues in its first four years as good.

The campaign highlights the value of the environment to the economy, the health of the nation and the quality of our lives - as well as the value to wildlife and wild places.

Six challenges to politicians have been set out:

Clean Air
Reduce road traffic levels10% by 2010. Tackle air pollution and climate change by redirecting at least two thirds of the £900 million planned for road building to public transport, walking and cycling.
Less Landfill
Reduce waste by providing doorstep recycling for every household and introduce a plastic bag charge. Set a 1% per year reduction target for total waste produced by 2010.
Healthy Seas
Appoint a minister for the Seas, overhaul Scotland's outdated legislation in order to manage our seas and coasts better and introduce 'regeneration areas' to restore fish stocks and wildlife.
Safe Food
Treble investment in environmentally friendly agriculture, pay organic farmers beyond the current five year support limit and introduce a new payment scheme for conversion to organic fruit and vegetables.
Protection for Wildlife and Wild Places
Stronger protection and increased funding to care properly for Scotland's precious wildlife and wild places. Allocate more resources for the police to deal with wildlife criminals. Commit more resources to encourage enjoyment of the countryside, including a Scotland-wide path network.
Reduction in Climate Changing Gases
Tackle climate change by improving domestic energy efficiency by 20% by 2010 and a further 20% by 2020. Introduce energy auditing for all homes.

These six challenges have been set out as straightforward steps that could make a real difference to everyone's lives. 'Everyone' is encouraging voters to make their vote count for the environment by questioning candidates about their policies.

So SWLG members - get campaigning!

For more information about 'everyone' check out the campaign website www.everyonecan.org or send an SAE to Scottish Environment LINK, 2 Grosvener House, Shore Road, Perth PH2 8BD