I am committed to taking action to cut harmful emissions and enhance nature. This is not only essential for the future of our planet but also improves our health and wellbeing.
My work for the environment has three main elements:
Parliamentary
I belong to the Conservative Environmental Network’s parliamentary caucus, a group that drives the green conservative agenda in parliament. Click here to read our manifesto for conservation and decarbonisation.
I have been a member of the influential Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee since the general election, a cross-party committee of MPs who scrutinise the work of the government in safeguarding the natural environment.
Community Engagement
I have been co-hosting a series of Climate Focus events with the WI's Climate Ambassador. The events enable local residents to learn about climate change and the action taken locally to address the impacts of climate change. They have included presentations from the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, as well as groups including Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, Sustainable Pendeen and the Helston Climate Action Group. If you want to join us, please email derek.thomas.mp@parliament.uk
Practical Action
I am involved in local community projects to increase biodiversity in West Cornwall. Most recently I beat my own Woodland Recovery 2020 challenge of planting 20,000 trees to help Cornwall achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.