Climate change could see areas of Stirling city underwater by 2050.
A recent report by Climate Central, an organisation made up of leading scientists and journalists, shows the Forth extending its range to much of Cornton, the north part of Raploch and the eastern part of Riverside.
The report also shows that all of Grangemouth and much of Falkirk would be lost beneath the tidal waters of the Forth.
Water would reach the Manor Powis roundabout on the A91 and the road to Cambuskenneth would be cut off. Parts of Forthbank would also be underwater.
The report was cited by volunteers from the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill Stirling group and Extinction Rebellion as they hosted a Covid-compliant banner drop to raise awareness of the climate-nature crises, as part of a nationwide action.
They held their protest at Stirling Bridge to highlight the risk of rising water levels due to climate change.
Spokesperson Mandy Cairns said: “If the climate change predictions come true, this area below Stirling Bridge will be flooded by 2050.
“We’re delighted that our local MPs, Alyn Smith (Stirling), John Nicolson (Ochil and South Perthshire) and John McNally (Falkirk) are backing the Climate and Ecological Emergency (CEE) Bill, but we encourage them to push for it to be moved up for parliamentary discussion as a matter of urgency.
“We’re fed up breathing polluted air from Ineos and carbon emissions from fossil fuels. We see endless reports coming out, many from the government’s own committees, highlighting that Boris Johnson isn’t going far enough to tackle the climate and ecological emergency. We want to see our environment protected and a green and just recovery across the country.”
Green MP Caroline Lucas presented the CEE Bill in Westminster in September. It was scheduled for debate in the House of Commons last Friday, but the pandemic impacted parliamentary process postponing the second reading.
The Bill is currently waiting for a new date to be set, but whatever happens, the CEE Bill is thought to have a very low chance of progressing in this Parliament due to the sheer volume of private members’ bills lined up – further delaying the urgent action required to tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
As well as Alyn Smith, John Nicolson and John McNally, the CEE Bill is supported by more than 100 MPs from eight political parties – including Labour, SNP, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats and Greens.
The Bill calls on the government to take account of the UK’s entire carbon footprint, to protect nature in the UK and to prevent ecological damage along supply chains.
It also establishes a citizens’ assembly to ensure that these changes are achieved in a fair and just way.
In 2019, the government committed to a legally-binding target of net zero emissions by 2050, however, earlier this month, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) reported that Ministers still don’t have a coordinated strategy to achieve its aim.
With eight months to go before the UK hosts the vital UN climate conference, COP26, in Glasgow, climate change activists say the CEE Bill represents Boris Johnson’s last best opportunity of having a serious and comprehensive plan to tackle the greatest challenge humanity faces.
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “‘Climate change is a real and existential threat to humanity; the UK must play its full part in tackling emissions and practices harmful to local ecosystems.
“I’m very pleased the Scottish Government have put in place the most ambitious climate change targets in the UK and are making good progress towards these
goals.
“But more must be done if we’re to prevent catastrophic change to our environment, and I urge parliamentary colleagues to back the aims of the Climate and Ecological Emergency Bill.”
