I cannot cast my vote in the EU referendum on 23rd June because I am a German national, but I care about Britain staying in the EU because the Remain Vote is the environmental vote. Remaining in the EU will ensure the better protection of environmental rights within Britain, facilitate internationally lobbying about climate change, and enable continued investments for green energy. By making sure that Britain remains, we will continue to benefit from (EU) legislations that are targeted towards biodiversity, air pollution, clean water and fisheries.

Before I present the environmental argument, I want to say: “Make sure you can vote”. Many young people care about a sustainable future: economically, socially, and environmentally. They hold this to heart on both a personal and on a national level. All these things will be affected by the EU referendum, so make sure you (and your friends) are able to vote on the day if you are one of those lucky people that can. A BBC article as well as Varsity have recently highlighted how students are at risk of missing out on voting as they are unaware they can register in both their home and university address by June 7th, and that a postal vote may be the best option (ordered by June 8th) if term has ended.

It is a complicated issue, and there are a few independent research bodies that are providing comprehensive information about both sides of the argument, such as ‘The UK in a changing Europe’. A report published by this independent organisation warns of the potential environmental repercussions should Britain leave the EU. For me this is a pivotal argument, which goes alongside the other benefits of remaining within the EU; such as a more stable economy, better workers’ rights, free movement, research funding, support for rural areas and more.

The report highlights that environmental policy within Britain has been hugely influenced by EU legislations since it joined in 1973, and that these minimum standards by the EU have led Britain to adopt a more preventative approach to policy, with clearer timetables of improvement and an explicit set of guiding principles such as precaution, prevention and sustainability. These standards range from wildlife protection to energy efficiency to air and water pollution.

It is also noteworthy that Britain has had a leading role in developing the EU policies such as the reform of the common fisheries policy, tackling the black-market ivory trade and reducing chemicals (CFCs) harmful to the ozone layer. Still, the fear is that should Britain chose to leave, then up to 80 percent of environmental legislation that currently affects the UK would vanish, since it was from the EU, and it would not necessarily be on the government agenda.

Campaign group Another Europe puts forward the issue that “environmental problems don’t respect national boundaries” and that safeguards such as those mentioned above are a critical reason to remain in the EU, as this involves working together to protect the environment and our future. This is especially true for climate policy, where the UK has been a leading actor within the EU, especially seen at the COP21 climate negotiations. Leaving the EU would put at risk the UK’s influential position in international climate change negotiations, not only in regards to Europe, but also the US and China.

Other environmental benefits of remaining in the EU include the continued support from the European Regional Development Fund for investment in green infrastructure, such as is the case for Lancashire. This support constitutes funding as well as guidelines and structural plans, helpful to many areas in the UK.

In addition, staying in the EU makes it less likely that the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will become a reality. Besides the risks for consumer and health and safety regulations, there are environmental dangers of the TTIP, which is currently being negotiated between the EU and the US. While the current government backs this dangerous ‘partnership’, there is much opposition in the EU, so voting to stay would help challenge this move towards corporate consolidation of power.

Due to many of the environmental reasons, but also social and economic arguments, the Green Party (see video) and Jeremy Corbyn alongside other left-wing voters are backing the campaign to Remain, alongside campaign groups like Environmentalists for Europe, which is supported by politicians and activists with a clear environmental agenda.

 

If you’d like to hear more about this issue or engage a debate, there are two events coming up this week in Cambridge.

Debate: Exploring Policies: The European Union Referendum
Wednesday 25th May 7-9pm, University of Cambridge Graduate Union 

Speaker: Natalie Bennett: Stay Green, Fight for Social Justice, Vote Remain in the EU referendum
Thursday 26th May 7pm, Newnham College (Lucia Windsor Room)